Some churches in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have stepped up their security measures following a deadly attack on the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, on June 5, 2022.
At least 40 deaths have been recorded with many injured after the terrorist attack on the church during its mass, last Sunday.
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Our correspondent in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Sunday observed an unusual beefing up of security and checks in some of the churches within the metropolis.
It was further observed that some of the churches apart from strengthening the in-house security measures, they have recruited local security operatives like Vigilance Group of Nigeria (VGN) and the state owned security outfit, So-Safe corps.
At All Souls Anglican Church, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta, our correspondent observed gun-wielding operatives of the VGN manning strategic positions, while the church’s service was in progress.
Also, the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Movement, Onikoko, also in Abeokuta, recruited four operatives of So-Safe to help tighten up security around the church.
Our correspondent equally observed that congregants at the Ibara Baptist Church, were subjected to thorough security checks before they were allowed into the church on Sunday.
During the service, members were advised to cooperate with the church management on the new security measures put in place so as to forestall any 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.
On his part, Pastor-in-Charge of Peace and Love Church, Abeokuta, Prof. David Bamgbose, said “We commiserate with the people of Owo and Ondo State in general. Church must now be security proactive and vigilant.
” 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 security 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.”
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