The Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State has advised religious leaders across the state to temporarily suspend night worship services in response to rising security concerns.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, gave the directive on Friday in Akure while briefing journalists on the recent abduction of six members of a Celestial Church in Uso.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the victims were kidnapped on February 25 during a midnight service at a church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway in Owo Local Government Area.
Police later confirmed that one worshipper was rescued and one informant arrested in connection with the incident.
Reports indicate that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the victims. However, the police commissioner said no official report had been made regarding ransom payments.
Lawal disclosed that the abducted individuals included pregnant women and one physically challenged person, a detail that has heightened public concern.
He stressed that night gatherings present additional security challenges and are harder for law enforcement to monitor effectively.
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“It would be easier for the police to monitor religious activities during the daytime than at night,” he said, adding that religious organisations should notify security agencies ahead of major events so appropriate safety guidance can be provided.
“In the recent case, nobody informed us about any activity taking place there,” the commissioner noted, while urging collaboration between faith-based institutions and security agencies.
He further questioned why vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women, were present at a midnight service, suggesting that medical needs should be addressed in appropriate healthcare facilities.
A formal advisory has since been circulated to area commanders, urging Muslim, Christian and traditional worship leaders to suspend night worship temporarily until the security situation improves.
The directive has sparked mixed reactions among residents, with some acknowledging the need for precaution, while others hope that enhanced security measures will soon allow religious activities to resume fully.