Police Urge Suspension of Night Worship as Kidnappings Spike in Ondo
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Akure, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force has directed religious organisations across Ondo State to temporarily suspend night vigils and nocturnal worship activities amid worsening security concerns.
The advisory was issued on Friday by the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, while briefing journalists in Akure on the recent abduction of worshippers during a midnight service in Uso community.
Six members of the Celestial Church of Christ were kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday, February 25, during a vigil held along the Uso–Owo Expressway in Owo Local Government Area. One of the victims was later rescued, while a suspected informant has been arrested.
Police sources said the abductors demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for the remaining victims.
Lawal disclosed that the victims included pregnant women and a physically challenged person, raising concerns about the vulnerability of worshippers attending late-night programmes.
“Security agencies find it more difficult to effectively monitor religious activities conducted at night compared to daytime gatherings,” the police commissioner said, adding that the command was not notified of the vigil before it took place.
“We have always advised religious leaders that whenever they plan special programmes, they should inform the police so we can assess the security risks and provide guidance,” he stated.
Reacting to reports of ransom demands, Lawal said no official communication had been made to the police regarding payments.
The commissioner confirmed that all area commands across the state have been placed on alert, urging Muslim, Christian, and traditional worship leaders to suspend night services until the security situation improves.
The incident came barely days after armed assailants reportedly abducted a couple in Ilu-Abo community, Akure North, deepening public anxiety over a spate of kidnappings and violent attacks in the state.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
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