The Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State has urged religious leaders across faiths to suspend night services amid rising security concerns, following the abduction of six worshippers during a midnight church service in Owo Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, issued the advisory on Friday in Akure while briefing journalists on the recent kidnapping at a Celestial Church in Uso.
The victims were abducted on February 25 during a night vigil at a church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway.
According to the police, one worshipper has since been rescued, while an informant linked to the incident has been arrested.
Security sources disclosed that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million for the victims’ release. However, the police commissioner noted that no one had officially approached the authorities regarding ransom negotiations.
“On the issue of ransom, nobody has come forward to speak officially about ransom payments,” Lawal stated.
He further revealed that the victims included pregnant women and a physically challenged individual, raising concerns about the vulnerability of certain congregants attending late-night religious gatherings.
The police chief emphasized that it is operationally easier for law enforcement agencies to monitor religious activities conducted during daylight hours than those held at night, stating that religious organizations planning special programmes should notify security agencies in advance to enable appropriate risk assessments and deployment.
“We have always advised religious leaders that if they plan to hold any special activity, they should carry us along so we can give expert advice on whether it is safe for their congregation,” he said, noting that authorities were not informed about the midnight service prior to the abduction.
Lawal also questioned the rationale behind pregnant women attending overnight services, stressing that medical facilities remain the safest environment for expectant mothers.
In response to the incident, the police command has issued directives to all area commanders across the state, advising religious leaders, including Muslim clerics, Christian pastors and traditional worshippers, to temporarily suspend night worship activities due to prevailing security threats.
The latest abduction underscores ongoing security challenges in parts of Ondo State, particularly along major highways where criminal elements have targeted commuters and communities.
