The Ogun state police command has cautioned residents (particularly christians) to stop having prayer meetings in the forest due to the increasing rate of insecurity in the state.
The command lamented that despite repeated warnings issued to religious worshippers, some have continued to hold prayer sessions in the middle of the forest putting themselves and loved ones at risk.
According to the command, their actions make them soft targets for opportunistic kidnappers lurking in the forests.
The warning was contained in a statement by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who added that the warning was imperative even as it respects every citizen’s right to freedom of religion.
“It is worthy of note that the present security situation in the country does not favour organizing prayer sessions in isolated places,” he stated.
Oyeyemi said that the police has been working tirelessly to eliminate all kidnappers who have continued to rain terror on innocent citizens.
According to him, pending their complete elimination, residents of Ogun state should be weary of such areas which make criminal activities easier for bandits.
He urged the public that security is everybody’s business, and as such, people should play their part in securing themselves and their property; stressing that “after all, the scripture even enjoined us to watch and pray.”
He added that, “if there is any compelling reason to embark on such prayer sessions, the organizers should report to the nearest police station for advice and possible security patrol of the area.”
