. CP Edward Awolowo Ajogun, Ogun State Commissioner of Police
The Ogun state police command has sent out a strong security alert to all religious organizations and the general public who are in the habit of organizing prayer sessions in the forest, on lonely mountains, deserted beaches and other isolated places to desist from the practice for a while.
The police warned such organizations and individuals that the present security situation in the country does not favour this practice of worshipping in isolated rendezvous.
In a press release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, for the Commissioner of Police, CP Edward Ajogun, the police warned that those still favouring the practice of this forms of worship are making themselves easy preys for kidnappers.
DSP Oyeyemi noted that the police has observed with great concern that despite series of warnings and security tips from the command, some members of public are still in the habit of organizing such prayer sessions.
He warned that “In as much as the command is not oblivious of the right to freedom of religion, it is worth of note that the present security situation in the country is not favorably disposed to organizing prayer sessions in isolated places”.
He assured that the command is working assiduously to get rid of the criminal elements who have taken to kidnapping as business.
The police image maker however warned that pending when these criminal elements would be satisfactorily eliminated, the general public should desist from creating opportunities for them to operate.
“Security should be seen as everybody’s business and we should all play our part in securing ourselves and our property. After all the scripture even enjoined us to watch and pray”, he enjoined.
He however noted that if there is any compelling reason to embark on such prayer sessions, the organizers should report to the nearest police station for advice and possible security patrol of the area.
