The Ondo State Police Command has directed religious leaders across the state to suspend night worship services amid ongoing security concerns.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adebowale Lawal, made the call on Friday in Akure while briefing journalists on the abduction of six members of a Celestial Church in Uso.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped on February 25 during a midnight service at the church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway in Owo Local Government Area.
Lawal disclosed that all six victims are pregnant women, including one who is physically challenged. He noted that monitoring and securing religious gatherings is significantly more challenging at night.
Meanwhile, the abductors are said to have demanded N100 million as ransom.
“On the issue of ransom, nobody has come forward officially about any payment,” he said. “We have always advised religious leaders to inform us about any planned activities so we can provide expert guidance on whether it is safe for their congregation. In this recent case, no one informed us beforehand.”
The commissioner also questioned the safety of hosting vulnerable individuals at night.
“I do not know when a church became a maternity home or hospital. If someone is pregnant, the safest place should be a hospital or maternity home,” he said.
Lawal said area commanders have been directed to formally notify Muslim, Christian, and traditional worship leaders to suspend night services temporarily due to prevailing security challenges.