The Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State has directed religious leaders across Christian, Muslim and traditional faiths to suspend night worship services following the abduction of worshippers during a midnight church service.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, issued the advisory on Friday in Akure while addressing journalists on the kidnapping of six members of a celestial church in Uso, along the Uso/Owo Expressway in Owo Local Government Area.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the victims were abducted on February 25 during the midnight service. Police confirmed that one worshipper has been rescued, while an informant has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Sources said the kidnappers demanded N100 million ransom for the victims’ release. The police commissioner further disclosed that those abducted included pregnant women and a physically challenged person, heightening public concern over the attack.
Lawal stressed that monitoring religious activities during the daytime is easier and safer for security agencies, urging faith leaders to collaborate closely with the police before organising large gatherings.
“On the issue of ransom, 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 is a hospital or a 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,”
