The Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State has urged churches, mosques and traditional worship centres to suspend night services following a recent abduction that has heightened security concerns across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, issued the advisory on Friday in Akure while briefing journalists on the kidnapping of six members of the Celestial Church in Uso.
The victims were abducted on February 25 during a midnight service at a church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway in Owo Local Government Area. The attack has sparked anxiety among worshippers and residents in surrounding communities.
According to police authorities, one of the worshippers has since been rescued. Officers also arrested a suspected informant in connection with the incident. Investigations are ongoing.
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Security sources said the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the remaining victims. However, the police commissioner stated that no one had officially approached the command to confirm any ransom negotiations or payments.
Lawal disclosed that those kidnapped included pregnant women and a physically challenged person. He questioned why vulnerable individuals were present at a midnight gathering without prior security coordination.
“I do not know when a church became a maternity home or hospital,” he said. “If someone is pregnant, the best place should be a hospital or maternity home.”
He stressed that it is easier for security agencies to monitor religious gatherings during the day than at night. According to him, darkness creates operational challenges and provides cover for criminal elements.
The commissioner revealed that a signal had been sent to all area commanders across the state, advising religious leaders — Muslim, Christian and traditional worshippers to suspend night worship until the security situation improves.
He added that religious organisations planning special programmes should inform the police in advance to allow for risk assessment and deployment of personnel where necessary.
“In the recent case, nobody informed us about any activity taking place there,” Lawal said. “If we are carried along, we can give expert advice on whether it is safe for their congregation.”
The incident in Uso is the latest in a series of security breaches troubling parts of the state. Kidnappings for ransom have become a growing threat along highways and in semi-urban communities, prompting calls for stronger preventive measures.
Residents in Owo and neighbouring towns have expressed concern about safety during late-night religious activities, which are common among some denominations. Many now face a difficult balance between religious practice and personal security.
Community leaders have called for closer cooperation between faith groups and law enforcement agencies. Security analysts say intelligence sharing and early notification of large gatherings could reduce exposure to attacks.
For now, the police advisory places responsibility on religious institutions to adjust their schedules in the interest of public safety. Whether worship centres will comply remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the February 25 abduction has shifted the conversation in Ondo State. Night worship, once seen as routine in some quarters, is now under scrutiny as authorities move to prevent another midnight tragedy.
