Police confirm 5 of the 6 worshippers kidnapped in Ondo pregnant women

By Muftau Ogunyemi

Police have revealed that six members of celestial Church kidnapped during a midnight service at the church located along Uso/Owo Expressway in Owo Local Government Area of of Ondo state are made up of five pregnant women and one physically challenged person.

Ondo police commissioner, Adebowale Lawal, Commissioner of Police revealed this on Friday in Akure while addressing the newsmen on the recent abduction of the six members of a celestial church in Uso.

One of the worshipers was rescued and one informant arrested by the police after the incident.

It was gathered that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million before the victims could be released.

While addressing journalists, the Ondo Police Commissioner admonished religious leaders, consisting of Muslim, Christian, and traditional worshippers, to suspend night worship due to the security challenges in the state.

The commissioner said it would be easier for the police to monitor religious activities during the daytime than in the night.

“On the issue of ransom, nobody has come forward to speak officially about ransom payments.

“And we have always advised religious leaders, 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.

“In the recent case, nobody informed us about any activity taking place there.

“I do not know when a church became a maternity home or hospital. If someone is pregnant, the best place should be a hospital or maternity home.

“However, we sent a signal to all area commanders advising religious leaders—Muslim, Christian, and traditional worshippers—to suspend night worship for now because of the security challenges,” he said.

(NAN)