Insecurity: Ondo Police Tells Religious Leaders To Suspend Night Worship

The Ondo State Police Command has called on religious groups, particularly Christians and Muslims, to suspend all night worship activities as the state grapples with escalating security threats.

Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, made the appeal while briefing journalists on efforts to rescue six worshippers abducted from a midnight service at the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area.

On Tuesday, suspected gunmen stormed the parish along the busy Owo/Benin Expressway, forcibly taking congregants into the bush.

One victim managed to escape, and an informant was arrested by police. The abductors reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for their release.

CP Lawal revealed that among the abducted were a pregnant woman and a physically challenged individual, prompting the decision to engage religious leaders on temporarily halting late-night services.

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“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.

He stressed the importance of coordinating with security agencies for any religious gathering at night.

“We have always advised religious leaders, if they want to do anything, they should carry us (police) along so we can give expert advice on whether it is safe for their congregation,” he added.

Expressing concern about late-night services attended by vulnerable worshippers, CP Lawal said, “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.”

The warning comes amid a surge in violent crimes across Ondo State. A couple, Jamiu Olawale and his wife, were recently kidnapped at their residence in Akure North LGA, only to be released after allegedly paying ₦5 million ransom.

In another incident, gunmen killed Oba Kehinde Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamo in Akure North, during a foiled abduction attempt at his palace last Wednesday.

The police have vowed to intensify operations, urging residents to cooperate and remain vigilant while the security agencies continue their efforts to curb kidnappings and violent attacks across the state.