The Ogun State Police Command has placed a ban on night vigils and warned religious leaders to stop organizing night programmes for their members.
This comes after a gruesome attack on a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Abule-Ori, Obafemi-Owode Local Government of Ogun State, where a pastor was killed and seven worshippers kidnapped by some unknown gunmen last weekend.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, the police spokesperson in Ogun, Omolola Odutola, quoted the State Commissioner, Abiodun Alamutu, as warning religious leaders to always seek police protection before religious activities are held.
She said, “before religion activities are held at any centre, podium, location, or area, authorities of the religious body, should approach their nearest Area Commands, Divisional Police Station for adequate security and coverage.”
The Police also advised churches and mosques to consider early evenings for worshippers to hold their services and return home safely on time before sunset.
Alamutu advised religious organizations to cooperate with the ongoing contingency plans of the police in Ogun, saying strategies to halt the trend had been put in place.
A few days ago, RCCG members kidnapped during the Abule Ori incident were rescued by operatives of the Ogun So-Safe Corps, who killed one of the gunmen.
The Police in Ogun State had on different occasions, warned religious organisations not to hold vigils for security reasons.
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