SUSPEND NIGHT SERVICES, POLICE TELLS RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN ONDO
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HOTJIST NEWS
The Ondo police have told religious leaders to stop holding night services throughout the state because there is increasing insecurity.
This came after six people who were praying at the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, which is in the Uwo local government area, were taken away by unknown people early on Wednesday.
On Friday, Lawal, the state police commissioner, spoke to journalists in Akure. He mentioned that the victims included pregnant women and a person with a physical disability.
He said, “I don’t understand how a church turned into a maternity home or hospital.
If someone is pregnant, the safest place should be a hospital or a maternity home.“
Lawal also shared that a worshipper was saved not long after the attack, and a person suspected of providing information was arrested.
The kidnappers are reported to have asked for N100 million to free the other victims.
According to him, night religious activities are harder for security operatives to monitor.
“It is easier for us to monitor religious activities during the day than at night. We have advised religious leaders—Muslim, Christian and traditional worshippers to suspend night worship for now because of the prevailing security challenges,” he said.
“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 and possibly provide security for them,” Lawal said, noting that police were not notified ahead of the Uso programme.”
Lawal added that 286 suspects were arrested between January and March 2026, including 11 linked to the Uso abduction.
He said a kidnap syndicate was dismantled in Akure, with ransom money recovered.
“This includes 30 for kidnapping, 10 for murder and homicide, 15 for unlawful possession of firearms, 17 for armed robbery, five for rape and defilement, 41 for cult-related offences, and 168 for other crimes,” he said.
Lawal disclosed that 15 firearms, 35 rounds of ammunition, six vehicles and 11 motorcycles were recovered, while eight kidnapped victims were rescued within the period.
He urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies. “The security of lives and property is a collective responsibility,” Lawal added.
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