The Ondo State Police Command has advised religious leaders, including Muslims, Christians, and traditional worshippers, to suspend night services due to prevailing security challenges in the state.
Speaking to reporters about the recent kidnapping of six members of the Celestial Church in Uso, the state’s police commissioner, Mr. Adebowale Lawal, offered counsel on Friday in Akure.
The victims were abducted on February 25 during a midnight service at the church situated along the Uso/Owo Expressway in the state’s Owo Local Government Area, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
One of the worshippers was saved, according to NAN, while one informant was taken into custody by the police after the incident.
A N100 million ransom was reportedly requested by the abductors in order to free the captives.
Pregnant women and one individual with a physical disability were among the victims, according to Lawal.
According to the commissioner, police would find it simpler to keep an eye on religious activities during the day than at night.
“On the issue of ransom, nobody has come forward to speak officially about ransom payments.
“And we have always advised religious leaders that if they plan to hold any special activity, they should carry us along so we can give expert advice on whether it is safe for their congregation.
“In the recent case, nobody informed us about any activity taking place there.
“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.
“However, we have sent a signal to all area commanders advising religious leaders—Muslim, Christian, and traditional worshippers—to suspend night worship for now because of the security challenges,” he said.
