The Police Command in Ondo State has advised religious leaders across the Muslim, Christian and traditional faith communities to suspend night worship in view of the current security challenges in the state.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal gave the advisory on Friday in Akure while briefing journalists on the recent abduction of six members of a celestial church in Uso. The victims were kidnapped on February 25 during a midnight service at the church situated along the Uso Owo Expressway in Owo. One worshipper has been rescued, and the police have arrested an informant connected to the incident.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of one hundred million naira for the release of the victims. Lawal noted that all those abducted were pregnant women and one physically challenged individual. He explained that monitoring religious gatherings is more feasible during the day than at night.
He added that no one had officially approached the police regarding ransom issues and stressed that religious leaders should notify security agencies before organising any event so appropriate guidance can be provided.
He also questioned why a church had become a gathering place for pregnant women at midnight, stating that hospitals and maternity centres remain the appropriate locations for such individuals.
