Religious leaders, consisting of Muslim, Christian, and traditional worshippers, have been advised to suspend night worship due to the security challenges in Ondo State.
The state Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal, gave the advice on Friday in Akure in view of the recent abduction of six members of a celestial church in Uso.
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE reports that kidnappers abducted the victims on Feb.25 during a midnight service at the church located along Uso/Owo Expressway in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The police rescued one of the worshipers and arrested an informant after the incident.
The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N100 million before the victims could be released.
Lawal said all the victims are pregnant women and one physical-challenged person, adding that it would be easier for the police to monitor religious activities during the daytime than in the night.
He said “nobody has come forward to speak officially about ransom payments. And we have always advised religious leaders, if they want to do anything, 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 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.
