Religious leaders told to suspend night services over insecurity
Religious leaders told to suspend night services over insecurity
The Ondo police command has advised religious leaders to suspend night services across the state following rising insecurity.
The warning comes after six worshippers were abducted at the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo LGA, in the early hours of Wednesday.
Addressing journalists in Akure on Friday, Lawal, commissioner of police in the state, said the victims included pregnant women and a physically challenged person.
“I do not know when a church became a maternity home or hospital. If someone is pregnant, the best place should be a hospital or maternity home,” he said.
Lawal said a worshipper was rescued shortly after the attack and a suspected informant arrested.
The kidnappers are said to have demanded N100 million for the release of the remaining victims.
According to him, night religious activities are harder for security operatives to monitor.
“It is easier for us to monitor religious activities during the day than at night. We have advised religious leaders—Muslim, Christian and traditional worshippers to suspend night worship for now because of the prevailing security challenges,” he said.
“If they want to do anything, they should carry us along so we can give expert advice on whether it is safe for their congregation and possibly provide security for them,” Lawal said, noting that police were not notified ahead of the Uso programme.”
Lawal added that 286 suspects were arrested between January and March 2026, including 11 linked to the Uso abduction.
He said a kidnap syndicate was dismantled in Akure, with ransom money recovered.
“This includes 30 for kidnapping, 10 for murder and homicide, 15 for unlawful possession of firearms, 17 for armed robbery, five for rape and defilement, 41 for cult-related offences, and 168 for other crimes,” he said.
Lawal disclosed that 15 firearms, 35 rounds of ammunition, six vehicles and 11 motorcycles were recovered, while eight kidnapped victims were rescued within the period.
He urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
“The security of lives and property is a collective responsibility,” Lawal added.
