Police counsel religious leaders, traditional worshippers against night worships in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command, has urged all religious leaders, Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers, to suspend all-night related worships for now because of the security challenges facing the state.

Adebowale Lawal, the State Commissioner of Police, gave the advice on Friday at the command’s headquarters in Akure, while parading about 28 suspects who were arrested for committing various degrees of crimes in the state.

Recall that gunmen, on Wednesday abducted six worshippers during a midnight attack on a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso community, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, sparking renewed security concerns along the Akure–Owo highway corridor.

Read also: Ondo security non-negotiable, says Aiyedatiwa

It was reliably gathered that the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, at about 12:50am, when suspected kidnappers reportedly stormed a Celestial Church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway and whisked away six worshippers to an unknown destination.

CP Lawal, while speaking on the incident, said that nobody has come forward to speak officially about the whereabouts of the victims and ransom payments.

The Commissioner of Police, however, said that the command has sent a strong signal to all Area Commanders across the state, advising all the religious leaders,
Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers, to suspend all-night related worships for now because of the security challenges facing the state.

He said; “in the past week, the Command recorded pockets of criminal activities across some areas of the state. However, through sustained intelligence-led operations, strategic deployments, and proactive policing measures, a significant number of these incidents have been successfully addressed. Operational feedback and available crime statistics indicate major progress in containment, arrests, recovery of exhibits, and disruption of criminal networks.

“‎The Command remains resolute in consolidating these gains while intensifying surveillance, patrols, and community engagement strategies to prevent recurrence. We wish to assure members of the public that ongoing assessments and data-driven interventions will continue to guide our operational approach in maintaining law and order across the state.

“On the ‎arrest of 11 suspects over Church abduction, barely hours after launching a manhunt over the abduction of worshippers at a Church along the Uso/Owo Expressway, the Ondo State Police Command recorded a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation. Through sustained intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security actions, 11 suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.

“The arrests were effected through a joint operation involving operatives of the Command, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilante groups, as directed by the Commissioner of Police. The worshippers were abducted during a night attack on the Church premises and taken to an unknown destination.

“Let me quickly say this, the victims in that Church were merely pregnant women and one of them is mentally challenged. I wouldn’t know how the Church turned maternity home and hospital to treat someone who needed medical attention. But not withstanding, we were aware that they were abducted in that Church, a bushy and isolated place.

“Upon receiving the report, the Command immediately deployed tactical and intelligence assets to the area, leading to the rescue of one victim and the arrest of suspects. The suspects are currently under interrogation and have provided useful information aiding efforts to dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attack.

“The Command urges religious leaders to reconsider and moderate late-night worship activities in view of prevailing security challenges. They are advised to adopt proactive safety measures, avoid exposing themselves and congregants to unnecessary risks, and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation.

“Just yesterday we were informed that there is a law where the state government gave an executive order that places of worship should mount CCTV camera in their areas so that they will be able to monitor activities of people coming and going in. We want to encourage religious leaders to please adhere strictly to this executive order.

“On the issue of ransom, nobody has come forward to speak officially about ransom payments. However, we’ve sent a signal to all Area Commanders advising religious leaders, Muslim, Christian, and traditional worshippers, to suspend night worships for now because of the security challenges.

Read also: Panic as gunmen abduct Celestial Church worshippers in Ondo midnight attack

“During the daytime, it is easier for us to monitor activities. ‎We told them that 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.

“‎On technology, we are working towards acquiring drones. We have reminded the State Government and approached individuals who have assured us of assistance. But we will not wait for drones before acting. We will continue bush combing operations and take the battle to them.

“‎The weapons and motorcycles displayed here were recovered from the suspects. These are tools used in their operations.

“‎My advice to the public is simple; when there is insecurity, provide timely information to security agencies because we cannot do it alone. With cooperation and credible intelligence from the public, we can effectively tackle these challenges.”
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