By Ngozi Nwankwo
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter, has directed churches across the state to suspend late-night activities and strengthen security measures in response to rising cases of kidnapping and abduction.
The directive was contained in a communiqué issued Wednesday in Ibadan, jointly signed by Oyo CAN Chairman Elisha Ogundiya and Secretary Samuel Owolabi.
CAN urged churches to deploy trained security personnel, install surveillance systems, and secure their premises with perimeter fences and gates. It also advised leaders to conduct thorough checks on guards and essential workers, and warned against allowing strangers to sleep within church auditoriums or compounds.
“Due to incessant abduction and kidnapping in recent times, Oyo CAN advises churches to be more security conscious by positioning security personnel and other electronic devices strategically within their premises and neighbourhood,” the communiqué stated.
The association encouraged churches to continue praying for the safe release of abducted victims while suspending late-night gatherings. It also advised residents to limit unnecessary travel and avoid late-night movements, urging compliance with Governor Seyi Makinde’s executive order banning commercial motorcycle operations after 10:30 p.m.
CAN sympathised with families whose loved ones remain in captivity and commended government efforts, particularly in response to the May 15 abduction incident in Orire Local Government Area. It called for intensified rescue operations and urged authorities to exercise caution in disseminating sensitive security information.
