To avoid being kidnapped, police in Ogun cautioned the public against holding prayer sessions late at night, especially in the wooded areas.
In a statement made accessible to journalists in Ota, Ogun State, police spokesperson DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi issued the caution.
Despite a series of warnings and security recommendations from the Ogun State Police Command, certain members of the public continue to organize prayer sessions in the bush, making themselves easy prey for kidnappers, according to Oyeyemi.
“However, insofar as the Command respects the right to freedom of religion, it is important to stress that the current security situation in the nation does not encourage anybody to hold prayer sessions in isolated locations,” the PPRO stated.
He urged the people to avoid providing possibilities for kidnappers to operate, saying that the Command was working hard to eliminate criminals who had turned abduction into a business.
Security, according to Oyeyemi, should be regarded as everyone's business, and "we should all do our role in safeguarding ourselves and our property," because "the scriptures even encouraged us to watch and pray."
“However, if there is any compelling cause to have such prayer sessions, the organizers should contact the local Police station for guidance and potential security patrols,” he said.
