The police have warned worshippers against publicly disclosing personal achievements during church testimonies after foiling an alleged plot to kidnap a female cleric in Abuja.
Four church members were arrested over an alleged plan to abduct Prophetess Elizabeth, who was reportedly targeted after sharing a testimony about her achievements.
Adamu Muazu, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), gave the warning on Thursday while parading the suspects. He said the alleged attack was planned for after an evening church service.
Police Warn Against Security Risks During Testimonies
Muazu cautioned worshippers against assuming that everyone in a congregation had good intentions, urging them to be mindful of the personal information they disclose publicly.
He particularly warned people attending evening services at churches located in isolated areas to consider the security risks involved, especially when travelling home after worship.
“You can’t go to a church located on outskirts and you go to evening prayers and closing in the evening, coming down to your home after making testimony of what you have achieved in life, you know?” he said.
He added that worshippers should not assume everyone in a congregation shared their religious beliefs or had genuine intentions.
“It doesn’t conform with common sense and rationality in the midst of a gathering of people watching you, thinking that they are all men of God. No, everybody has his own motive of going to the church,” Muazu said.
Police Urge Churches to Strengthen Security
The police officer called on church leaders, particularly those operating in isolated locations, to prioritise the safety of their congregations.
He said churches should assess potential security threats around their premises and advise members on precautions, especially when services end late at night.
“If church has to be located on outskirts, I believe the runners of those institutions must equally think of the security of their members and must advise them adequately,” he said.
Muazu also urged churches holding evening services to pay close attention to access routes, entrances and exits to help protect worshippers.
“If you must hold evening services, that has to be guided with a lot of security observation of the routes in and out, exits of those churches in and out,” he added.
Driver, Pastor’s Bodyguard Among Suspects
Muazu expressed concern that people allegedly linked to the planned abduction had close connections with the intended victim and the church leadership.
“Surprisingly, this happened to be her driver, who worked with her. And the second suspect is a bodyguard to the head church pastor. They are all members of the same church,” he said.
The case has highlighted concerns about how information disclosed during religious gatherings could potentially be exploited by people with criminal intentions.
The police warning underscores the need for worshippers and church leaders to take reasonable precautions, particularly when services end late and members must travel through isolated areas.
