INSECURITY: Police ban night programmes at worship centres in Ondo

…As rampaging youths block highway after killings in Plateau  

BY ORIAKU IJELE

With bandits increasingly resorting to soft targets for abduction in Ondo State lately, the Police Command in the state has asked for the suspension of religious programmes, which stretch into the night.

The warning is coming on the heels of six worshippers abducted at Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo LGA.

Addressing journalists in Akure on Friday, Adebowale Lawal, commissioner of police in the state, said, “It is easier for us to monitor religious activities during the day than at night. We have advised religious leaders—Muslim, Christian and traditional worshippers to suspend night worship for now because of the prevailing security challenges.

“If they want to do anything, they should carry us along so we can give expert advice on whether it is safe for their congregation and possibly provide security for them.”

The Daily Monitor on Saturday learnt that the kidnappers are demanding N100 million for the release of the victims kidnapped earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, reports that gunmen on Tuesday night killed 10 persons at Dorowa Babuje and Jong communities in Plateau State has angered the youths of the communities, who reacted by blocking a highway, a situation that also led to the death of four additional persons.

Reacting to the incidents, the governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said, “Let me first on behalf of government of Plateau commiserate with the families that lost their loved ones in the recent happenings in the state.

“But let me say this, that people who want to make capital of these isolated incidents and try to tell a story that Plateau roads are not safe, is nothing but mischief.

“Plateau roads are safe; Plateau people are peace-loving.

“We do admit that there have been a few incidents here and there over the years, but they are totally disconnected, isolated and therefore must not be used to mischaracterise Plateau.”

He also advised residents to desist from blocking highways under whatever guise, saying that such behaviour portrays the state in bad light to the outside world.

The governor, who also commended the security agencies for the proactive steps taken to avert major security threats, promised to continually supporting them to provide maximum security.

He called on the traditional and religious leaders to cooperate and support government’s efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the state.