By Moboluwade Tobiloba
The Ogun State Police Command, on Sunday, warned the public against organising prayer sessions at night especially in forested areas.
The Police spokesperson in Ogun, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, gave the warning in a statement made available to newsmen in Ota, Ogun State.
Oyeyemi noted that some members of the public still conduct prayer sessions in the forest despite knowing the level of insecurity and the high rate of kidnapping in the country thereby putting themselves at risk and easy prey for kidnappers.
He appealed to the public to refrain from creating opportunities for kidnappers by limiting such night meetings.
The PPRO said, “However, inasmuch as the Command is not oblivious of right to freedom of religion, it is worthy of note that the present security situation in the country does not favorably dispose anyone to organising prayer sessions in isolated places”.
Oyeyemi explained that security should be seen as everybody’s business and “we should all play our part in securing ourselves and our property,” adding that “after all, the scriptures even enjoined us to watch and pray.”
He added that if there was any compelling reason to embark on such prayer sessions, the organisers should report to the nearest police station for advice and possible security patrol of the area.
