By Jimoh Ahmed,
Bukola Olamona,
Sade Adewale,
Victor Akinkuolie,
&Kayode Afolabi
|
Following the gruesome attack on Saint Francis Catholic, in Owo town last Sunday by some unknown terrorists, churches across Ondo State, beefed up their security with the presence of heavy security men.
The Hope Metro gathered that to prevent any possible re-occurrence, churches in Akure, Ondo State capital, Owo, Ikare, Ore and Ado-Ekiti, doubled their security apparatus to assure their worshippers of safety.
In Akure, the Ondo State capital, our correspondent, who visited some churches observed that while some churches had their usual congregation, few recorded low turnout of worshippers.
At the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Glory Tabernacle, Ijapo Estate, in Akure, the normal services were held, while the members turned up as usual, while the presence of security men was noticed around the premises.
Also, at Prayer Centre Church of God, Adofure, the presence of conventional police men and men of the Amotekun Corps were seen, manning security within the premises.
In some churches in Ondo town, security personnel were seen in strategic places in the premises, while the gates were locked during service.
Our correspondent who went round churches in Ore, headquarters of Odigbo local government, saw worshippers trooping out en masse, to worship God for witnessing another Sunday.
According to him, security men were mounted in some churches for protection of lives and property, while a minute silence was held for those who lost their lives in the Sunday attack in Owo.
In Akokoland, the Amotekun corps, police and other security agents were seen going round from one church to the church to forestall any breach of security.
Efforts to speak with the head of the Amotekun corps at Erusu Akoko Anglican Church proved abortive declined comment, saying that only the Ondo State Commander can speak on the issue.
The Pastor- in-Charge of CAC, Oluwadamilare, Aje, Okeagbe Akoko, Gabriel Agbaje, commended Christians for the proactive measures on security in the places of worships in the state.
He condemned the Owo Catholic Church attack, describing it as wicked babaric and unprogressive, while he gave kudos to Governor Oluwarotimiotimi Akeredolu for his timely intervention.
Also, Churches in Ekiti State, especially in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of the State on Sunday beefed up heavy security within and around their premises.
When our correspondent visited some Churches within Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, heavy security operatives comprising of Army, Mobile Police Officers as well as officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) were noticed at the entrance of some of the churches.
Large numbers of worshippers trooped out to worship centres during the first and the second services in some churches.
At Mary Emaculate Catholic Cathedral Church , Ado-Ekiti, security officers comprises Army and Mobile Police, armed with guns with Armour Personal Car (APC) were noticed at the entrance of the church, while vehicular movement were also baned in and within the church premises.
Worshippers who came to the church in their vehicles were asked to park outside the church premises, while the two main gates leading to the church were under lock, also the small gate was left opened for whorshippers to trek few metres to the church auditorium.
In a chat with one of the security men, who does not want his named mentioned, he confirmed that many whorshipers failed to show up in the church, said it was due to the last week attack of a Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
He expressed optimism that in another weeks to come, the situation may change due to the high presence of security operatives in some churches within Ekiti State.
However, around Oba-Ile axis in Akure-North Local Government area, many churches witnessed low attendance of worshippers, as only a few were seen in the church premises.
In an interview with the Pastor-in-Charge, of Prince of Peace zone, Pastor James Oni, he charged the government to do the needful, so that the people can walk freely and also serve their God freely without fear.
“I also admonish Christians to know that the great shepherd will watch over them. They should not live in fear of the unknown. God will take care of them,”
Meanwhile, a memo dated June 10,2022 and issued by the The Redeemed Christian Church of God, had directed all parishes, Areas and Zones to carry out proper security checks on all congregants.
According to the memo, Pastors have been directed to set up a committee to be headed by someone with security background, while they must install CCTV cameras in all parishes.
