Yanju Uwala, Abeokuta
The Ogun State Police Command has sent out a note of warning to all religious organizations to desist from holding prayer sessions and night vigils in the forest to avoid becoming prey for kidnappers.
This was made in a statement signed by the Command’s Spokesman, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, stating that the current security situation in the country is not safe to organize prayer sessions in isolated places.
Oyeyemi, further advised that, if there is any compelling reason to embark on prayer sessions, the organizers should report to the nearest police station for advice and possible security surveillance of the area.
“The Ogun state police command has observed with great concern that, despite series of warnings and security tips from the command, some members of public are still in the habit of organizing prayer sessions in the forest, thereby making themselves an easy prey for kidnappers.
“In as much as the command is not oblivious of right to freedom of religion, it is worth of note that the present security situation in the country does not favorably disposed to organizing prayer sessions in isolated places.
“The command is working assiduously to get rid of the criminal elements who have taken kidnapping as business, and pending when they will be satisfactorily eliminated, the general public should desist from creating opportunities for them to operate.
“Security should be seen as everybody’s business and we should all play our part in securing ourselves and our property. After all the scripture even enjoined us to watch and pray.
“However, if there is any compelling reason to embark on such prayer sessions, the organizers should report to the nearest police station for advice and possible security patrol of the area.”
