By CHIDINMA EWUNONU-ALUKO

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, has directed churches in the state to beef up security, suspend late activities, and fence their premises amid rising cases of abduction and kidnapping in the state.

This was contained in a communique made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ibadan on Wednesday.

The communique was jointly signed by the CAN Chairman, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, and Secretary, Very Rev. Samuel Owolabi, respectively.

“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,” it stated.

The association further advised churches not fenced and gated to see it as their next project.

The body also enjoined church leaders, as a matter of urgency, to man their premises with trained security personnel especially during services.

It directed that every church should conduct a private security assessment of those employed as guards and other personnel on essential services.

Churches were further advised to disallow strangers sleeping in their sanctuary and church premises.

CAN also called on the public to limit their travelling in times like this and avoid late night travellings.

It reiterated that the public should comply with the executive order issued by Gov. Seyi Makinde banning riding of commercial motorcycles after 10:30p.m. in the state.

The association said it viewed with concern the insecurity situation in Oyo State and sympathised with families of victims held hostage by bandits.

It, however, appreciated measures taken by the state and federal governments to secure the release of abductees across the state, with special reference to the Orire Local Government saga.

The body resolved that the government should expedite actions in securing the release of the abductees and reunite them with their families.

It also urged the government to limit security information dissemination to the public.

“CAN, Oyo State chapter, will continue to collaborate with the government to see to the peace, unity and stability of the state,” the communique stated. (NAN)