Adebowale Lawal, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, has emphasized the need to suspend religious activities held at night due to the persistent rise in insecurity across the state.
Lawal said that religious and community leaders, regardless of faith, should refrain from holding night programmes until proper security arrangements can be ensured.
Speaking with newsmen while parading suspected kidnappers at the state command headquarters in Akure, the police chief noted that religious leaders should contact the police for security guidance if night services are essential.
His warning follows the recent abduction of six worshippers at a Celestial Church in Uso community, Owo Local Council Area, just a few days ago.
Lawal revealed that five of the abducted worshippers are pregnant women, while one is physically challenged, expressing concern that the church premises had been used as a maternity centre.
He said, “I do not know when a church became a maternity home or hospital. If someone is pregnant, the best place is a hospital or a maternity home.
“However, we have sent a signal to all area commanders advising religious leaders, Muslim, Christian, and traditional worshippers, to forthwith suspend night worship for now because of the security challenges.”