By Peter Omopo
The Ondo State Police Command has advised religious organisations to suspend night worship activities as security concerns escalate across the state.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal made the appeal while briefing journalists on ongoing efforts to rescue six worshippers abducted during a midnight service at the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area.
Suspected gunmen had invaded the church located along the Owo/Benin Expressway on Tuesday, taking several congregants into the bush. One victim escaped, while police arrested an informant linked to the incident. The abductors reportedly demanded N100 million as ransom. Among those abducted are said to be a pregnant woman and a physically challenged person.
The police commissioner said the command had sent directives to area commanders urging religious leaders, including Christian, Muslim and traditional worshippers, to suspend night services temporarily due to prevailing security challenges. He stressed the need for religious bodies to coordinate with security agencies before holding late-night gatherings to enable proper risk assessment and safety advice.
The warning comes amid a series of violent incidents in the state. A couple, Jamiu Olawale and his wife, were recently kidnapped at their residence in Akure North Local Government Area and later released after an alleged payment of N5 million ransom. In a separate incident, Oba Kehinde Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamo in Akure North, was killed during a failed abduction attempt at his palace.
The police command assured residents that efforts were being intensified to curb kidnappings and violent attacks, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
