By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, has advised religious leaders across the state to suspend overnight worship and other late-night religious activities in view of the prevailing security situation, warning that such gatherings expose congregants to avoidable risks.

Speaking on Friday at a press briefing in Akure on the Command’s activities from January to date, Lawal said a signal had already been sent to Area Commanders directing them to engage Muslim, Christian and traditional worship leaders on the need to moderate night programmes for now.

According to him, security agencies are better able to monitor activities during the daytime, while night events in isolated areas create vulnerabilities that criminal elements could exploit.

He disclosed that in the recent case of abduction at a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), along the Uso/Owo Expressway, the Police were not informed beforehand of the programme, stressing that timely communication with security agencies could help in risk assessment and deployment.

“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,” he said, questioning why places of worship should double as maternity centres instead of directing pregnant women to hospitals.

The police chief emphasised that security was not the exclusive responsibility of the Police or the military but a collective obligation involving communities, traditional rulers and local government authorities.

He recalled a previous incident in which stakeholders assured the Command that vigilante structures would be activated in affected communities, but lamented that such commitments were yet to materialise.

Lawal explained that calls for additional checkpoints must be weighed against public complaints about excessive stop-and-search points on major highways, noting that even where checkpoints exist, response time to incidents in remote settlements could still be delayed due to distance and terrain.

He cited areas such as Eleyowo, Ilu Abo and parts of Ondo North, where thick forests, mangrove swamps and bush tracks provide escape routes for kidnappers.

He revealed that security assessments had identified dozens of makeshift camps in forested locations, including about 19 camps behind Ilu Abo and more than 42 around Ipele, raising concerns about unprofiled occupants.

The CP urged communities to profile newcomers and collaborate with law enforcement, warning that inviting strangers without due diligence often complicates investigations when crimes occur.

While reaffirming that the Police remain the lead agency in internal security, Lawal called on local government chairmen to emulate counterparts in other states who engage youths in community security roles with stipends.

He added that the Command was working towards acquiring drones to enhance surveillance but would not suspend ongoing forest-combing operations by tactical teams, including SWAT and the Scorpion Squad, who continue to undertake risky missions across rivers and mountainous terrain to dislodge criminal camps.

The CP maintained that with credible intelligence and sustained collaboration, the state would overcome its current security challenges, urging residents to provide timely information and avoid exposing themselves to unnecessary danger.