The authorities urged Muslims, Christians and traditional worshippers to halt late-hour gatherings over rising security concerns.
Religious organisations across Ondo State have been asked by the Nigeria Police Force to suspend vigils and night services.
The authorities urged Muslims, Christians and traditional worshippers to halt late-hour gatherings over rising security concerns.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Adebowale Lawal, issued the advisory on Friday in Akure while addressing newsmen on the recent abduction of six members of the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso.
The victims were kidnapped on Wednesday February 25 during a midnight service at the church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), one of the worshippers was rescued, and one informant was arrested by the police following the incident. It was gathered that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100million for the victims’ release.
Lawal explained that the victims included pregnant women and one physically challenged person, raising further concern about the vulnerability of worshippers attending night programmes.
Addressing journalists, the police commissioner stressed that security agencies face difficulties monitoring religious activities conducted at night compared to those held during the day.
“On the issue of ransom, nobody has come forward to speak officially about ransom payments,” Lawal said.
“And we have always advised religious leaders that if they plan to hold any special activity, they should carry us along so we can give expert advice on whether it is safe for their congregation.
The commissioner disclosed that the command had taken proactive steps by notifying security formations across the state.
“However, we have sent a signal to all area commanders advising religious leaders — Muslim, Christian and traditional to suspend night worship for now because of the security challenges,” he said.
The advisory affects a wide range of faith-based gatherings, including Islamic night prayers, Christian vigils and traditional nocturnal rites, which are common across communities in the state.
SaharaReporters reported that suspected terrorists on Wednesday invaded a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso community, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducting six worshippers during an early-morning service.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the gunmen stormed the church located along the Benin–Owo Expressway in the early hours of Wednesday, causing panic among congregants before whisking away the victims to an unknown destination.
The latest abduction came barely four days after armed assailants kidnapped a couple in Ilu-Abo community, Akure North Local Government Area, further deepening fears over worsening insecurity across the state.
An eyewitness, identified as Emmanuel, shared videos and photographs of the aftermath of the attack on social media platform X, describing the incident as part of a growing security crisis in the area.
Residents said repeated attacks by armed groups have heightened anxiety in several communities in Ondo State, with many accusing authorities of failing to curb the rising wave of kidnappings and violent assaults.
The incident adds to a series of security breaches recorded in the state since the beginning of 2026.
In January, residents of Ipele community in Owo Local Government Area were thrown into panic after suspected terrorists attacked and set a police station ablaze during a New Year’s Day assault.
