- The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter, has directed all churches across the state to immediately beef up security protocols, build fences, and install electronic surveillance devices to protect worshippers.
- In response to a spike in local abductions, the religious body has advised its branches to suspend late-evening physical activities and strictly adhere to the state government’s curfew on commercial motorcycles.
- Expressing deep empathy for families of victims held hostage, particularly referencing a recent incident in Orire Local Government Area, CAN urged state and federal authorities to expedite efforts to safely rescue remaining abductees.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter, has issued a sweeping security directive ordering all churches across the state to immediately fortify their premises, erect secure perimeter fencing, and suspend late-night physical programs.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the emergency advisory comes in response to deep concerns over rising cases of abductions and kidnapping syndicates operating within the region.
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In a joint communiqué released through the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Wednesday, the association surged church leadership and administrators to treat the current security landscape with utmost seriousness.
The communiqué, signed by Oyo CAN Chairman, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, and Secretary, Very Rev. Samuel Owolabi, emphasized that modern security challenges require a proactive approach from faith-based organizations.
“Due to incessant abductions and kidnappings in recent times, Oyo CAN advises churches to be more security-conscious by strategically positioning security personnel and electronic devices within their premises and neighbourhoods,” the statement read.
The body noted that churches lacking fully fenced or gated yards must prioritize those infrastructure upgrades as a matter of urgency to control access into their sanctuaries.
Beyond infrastructural adjustments, the apex Christian body enjoined ministries to recruit and deploy professionally trained guards, particularly during peak hours of worship.
The leadership further directed that every local assembly conduct rigorous internal security assessments of all guards and outsourced service workers under their employ.
As a strict preventative measure against external vulnerabilities, CAN explicitly barred churches from allowing strangers or unvetted individuals to pass the night inside active sanctuaries or outer church properties.
Extending its counsel to the general public, the association strongly advised citizens to cut down on unnecessary travel and avoid navigating interstate routes during late-night hours.
The body further urged residents to cooperate fully with Governor Seyi Makinde’s standing executive order, which prohibits commercial motorcycle operators from plying state roads after 10:30 p.m.
CAN noted that adhering to the curfew remains a vital element in restricting the nighttime mobility of criminal networks.
While expressing deep sympathy for the families of victims currently held in captivity, the religious body acknowledged the ongoing tactical efforts by both the state and Federal Government to restore stability, highlighting recent interventions in the Orire Local Government Area.
The communiqué resolved that while churches will continue to offer spiritual support and pray for the unconditional release of hostages, the state must push for swifter counter-terrorism operations.
Oyo CAN reiterated its commitment to working closely with law enforcement and the state executive to preserve long-term peace and public safety.
