Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Oyo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria has issued a sweeping security directive to all churches across the state, suspending late-night activities and ordering congregations to immediately fence their premises amid a surge in abductions that has terrorised communities and raised fears of escalating violence against religious institutions. The directive, contained in a communiqué issued in Ibadan on Wednesday and jointly signed by the CAN Chairman, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, and the Secretary, Very Rev. Samuel Owolabi, represents one of the most far-reaching security measures taken by a religious body in the state in recent years.
Citing “incessant abduction and kidnapping in recent times,” the association ordered churches to become more security-conscious by strategically positioning security personnel and electronic surveillance devices within their premises and neighbourhoods. The communiqué directed that every church must conduct a private security assessment of guards and other personnel employed in essential services, while also prohibiting strangers from sleeping in sanctuaries or on church premises. Churches without perimeter fencing and gates were instructed to treat such infrastructure as their next priority project. Church leaders were further enjoined, as a matter of urgency, to engage trained security personnel, particularly during worship services.
The directive came just over a month after the May 15 abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area: Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele. One of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was confirmed killed by the abductors. The incident sparked widespread outrage, forced the closure of schools across the state, and triggered an indefinite strike by the Nigerian Union of Teachers. CAN had earlier, on May 19, directed churches to observe prayer and fasting for the release of the abductees. The new security measures expand that response from spiritual intercession to tangible physical safeguards.
Beyond the church community, CAN called on the general public to limit travel during this period and avoid late-night journeys. The association also urged strict compliance with Governor Seyi Makinde’s executive order banning commercial motorcycle operations after 10:30 p.m. across the state. While expressing sympathy for families of victims held hostage by bandits, CAN appreciated measures taken by both the state and federal governments to secure the release of abductees, but urged authorities to expedite action and reunite the victims with their families. The body also urged the government to limit the dissemination of security-related information to the public to avoid compromising ongoing rescue operations.
The directive signals a growing sense of alarm among religious leaders in Oyo State, where insecurity has increasingly encroached on places of worship and educational institutions. CAN’s decision to suspend late-night vigils—a cornerstone of Pentecostal worship culture—underscores the severity of the threat. The association reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the government to ensure peace, unity, and stability in the state. For now, churches across Oyo’s 33 local government areas must balance faith with fortified walls, as the fight against kidnapping moves from the pulpit to the perimeter fence.
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