By Ayodele Oni
The Ondo State Police Command has ordered stoppage of night programmes in religious worship centres in view of surge in kidnappings in the state.
The order was as a result of abductions of some worshippers at a Celestial church in Owo local government during a night vigil.
The state commissioner of police, Adebowale Lawal, gave the advice on Friday in Akure, the state capital, while addressing the journalists on the recent surge in Banditry in the state.
The Uso Church victims were kidnapped on February 25 during a midnight service at the church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway in the Owo Local Government Area of the state.
Mr Lawal explained that all the victims were pregnant women and one physically challenged person.
One of the worshipers was rescued, and one informant was arrested by the police after the incident.
It was gathered that the kidnappers had demanded N100 million ransom before the victims could be released.
The commissioner said it would be easier for the police to monitor religious activities during the day than at night.
“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 should be a hospital or 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,” he said
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