Insecurity: Fence Your Premises, Hire Guards – CAN Tells Churches In Oyo

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State has directed churches across the state to suspend late-night physical activities over rising cases of abduction and kidnapping.

Naija News reports that the directive was contained in a communique issued in Ibadan on Wednesday and jointly signed by the Oyo CAN Chairman, Elisha Ogundiya, and Secretary, Samuel Owolabi.

CAN said the security situation in the state required churches to be more alert and proactive.

“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.

“Churches should intensify prayers towards the release of the abductees and suspend late physical activities because of the security situation in the state,” the association said.

The association advised churches without fences and gates to make perimeter security their next priority project.

It also urged church leaders to deploy trained security personnel to protect worshippers, especially during services.

CAN further directed churches to conduct private security assessments of guards and other essential service personnel employed on their premises.

The body warned churches against allowing strangers to sleep in their sanctuaries or within church premises.

It also advised members of the public to reduce unnecessary travel and avoid late-night movements.

CAN urged residents to obey Governor Seyi Makinde’s executive order banning commercial motorcycle operations after 10:30 pm in the state.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has imposed a curfew in 10 local government areas surrounding the Old Oyo National Park as part of efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges.

The curfew, which takes effect on Wednesday, will run from 4 pm to 8 am for 48 hours in the first instance.

Naija News understands that the affected areas are around the park where victims of the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area are believed to be held hostage.

A total of 46 people, comprising 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers, were reportedly abducted during the attack.

The State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, in a statement on Tuesday, listed the affected councils as Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo and Itesiwaju. Others are Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.

“The curfew is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges in communities located around the Old Oyo National Park,” the statement added.

The government urged residents of the affected local government areas to comply fully with the directive as security agencies intensify operations to restore peace and protect lives and property.

The abducted victims were taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area.