Kidnapping: Ondo Police ban night programmes in religious centres

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a suspension of all night programmes in religious centres across the state due to escalating security challenges.

Speaking at the state police headquarters in Akure while parading suspected kidnappers, Lawal urged religious and community leaders—regardless of faith—to halt night activities until proper security arrangements are in place. He advised that any essential night gatherings should be coordinated with the police for expert security guidance.

The directive follows the recent abduction of six worshippers at a Celestial Church in Uso community, Owo Local Government Area, including five pregnant women and one physically challenged individual. The police commissioner expressed concern over the use of church premises as informal maternity centres. “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,” Lawal stated.

He emphasized that daytime gatherings are easier for police monitoring and urged religious leaders to collaborate closely with security agencies to ensure safety for congregants.

On the issue of rampant kidnappings and killings, particularly in Akure North Local Government Area, Lawal attributed part of the problem to the failure to properly profile strangers. “Some people invite others from places like Kogi or Benue without profiling them. You do not even know what they are doing. But when incidents happen, it becomes the police’s responsibility,” he said, adding that collaboration between communities and law enforcement is key to curbing the menace.