The Ogun State Police Command has issued a warning to religious leaders in the state, urging them to seek police protection before organizing any religious activities.
This advisory comes in response to a recent attack on a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Abule-Ori, Obafemi-Owode Local Government, where a pastor was killed and seven worshippers were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen.
In a statement released on Friday, the state police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, highlighted that the State Commissioner, Abiodun Alamutu, had cautioned religious leaders against organizing night programs for their members.
She said, “Before religious activities are held at any center, podium, location, or area, authorities of the religious body, should approach the nearest Area Commands, Divisional Police Station for adequate security and coverage.”
The police emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of worshippers by holding services during the early evenings, allowing them to return home before sunset.
Alamutu called for the cooperation of religious organizations in Ogun State with the ongoing contingency plans put in place by the police. These strategies aim to curb the occurrence of such incidents and ensure the safety of residents.
It is worth noting that the seven RCCG members, who were kidnapped during the Abule Ori incident, were subsequently rescued by operatives of the Ogun So-Safe Corps, who also neutralized one of the gunmen involved.