Following a deadly attack on the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, on June 5, 2022, some churches in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, have increased their security measures.
Following the terrorist attack on the church during its mass last Sunday, at least 40 people were killed and many more were injured.
On Sunday, sources in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, observed an unusual increase in police operatives and checks in some of the city’s churches.
It was also learned that, in addition to strengthening internal security, some churches have hired local security operatives such as the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and the state-owned security firm, So-Safe Corps.
News Central gathered that gun-wielding VGN operatives manned strategic positions at All Souls Anglican Church, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta, while the church’s service was in progress.
In addition, the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Movement, Onikoko, also in Abeokuta, hired four So-Safe operatives to help tighten security around the church.
Congregants at Ibara Baptist Church were subjected to extensive security checks before being admitted to the church on Sunday.
During the service, members were advised to work with the church administration on the new security measures put in place to prevent an attack.
Reverend Timothy Olatunbosun, who is the Church’s pastor, told the congregants that “It’s only God who can protect us from attacks, but we need to put some security measures in place.”
He added that “As the church prays, members must be security conscious,” he said.
Delivering his message titled “Wake up! You Sleeper,” Olatunbosun challenged Christians to leave a righteous life at all times.
“If what happened in Owo, happen here today, where would you be? Where will I be?” he asked the congregation.
Prof. David Bamgbose, Pastor-in-Charge of Peace and Love Church, Abeokuta, said, “We commiserate with the people of Owo and Ondo State in general.” The church must now be proactive and vigilant in terms of security.
” In our church, we have employed more knowledgeable security operatives to guard the church. Church must also sensitise the members about security and the need to be vigilant and report strange movement.”
Also Leader in Charge, Cherubim and Seraphim Church Movement, Onikoko, Abeokuta, Special Apostle Idowu Famodimu ,said “We have employed four operatives in order to tighten the security of our church.
“Security is everybody’s business, we must all be vigilant and check any suspicious movement.”