CAN, Muslims Tighten Security Amid Osun Terror Alert
Religious institutions in Osun State are taking additional security precautions after the Department of State Services raised an alarm over a reported threat to worship centres.
The security advisory was discussed with Christian and Muslim leaders during meetings held with DSS officials in Osogbo last week. The intelligence reportedly indicated that terrorists were considering attacks in parts of southern Nigeria, with the South-West identified as a possible area of concern. The alleged plan was also reportedly aimed at heightening tensions ahead of the presidential election.
Rather than wait for a possible incident, religious bodies in the state have begun adjusting their security arrangements.
For churches, the Osun chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria is asking worship centres to strengthen their security units and pay closer attention to people who are not familiar to the congregation.
CAN Chairman, Pastor John Adeleke, said churches should also monitor vehicles coming into their compounds and inspect bags whenever there is reason to do so. He encouraged worshippers and church officials to alert security authorities whenever they notice anything unusual in their communities.
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Churches have also been advised to reconsider activities that could expose members to greater security risks, including night vigils. Where facilities permit, CAN wants parking areas positioned some distance away from church buildings.
Adeleke further warned church leaders against openly celebrating wealthy individuals whose sources of income have not been established.
The Muslim community has adopted similar precautions.
Its Public Relations Officer, Hameed Oyegbade, said mosque authorities had been asked to identify and pay closer attention to unfamiliar people attending prayers.
Additional security measures are expected during Jumat services, while worshippers have been advised to avoid parking cars and motorcycles immediately beside mosque buildings.
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Oyegbade said imams would also use their regular sermons to remind Muslims about the need for vigilance. Members of the community have been encouraged to report suspicious behaviour to security agencies instead of ignoring it. The state government has also responded to the security advisory.
Governor Ademola Adeleke commended the DSS for bringing the reported threat to the attention of state authorities and directed other security agencies to review their preparedness. Speaking through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor urged residents to share information about suspicious individuals or activities with security agencies.
Adeleke also said he would convene the State Security Council to examine the situation and determine additional measures that may be required.
Traditional rulers are expected to discuss the issue within their respective councils as part of efforts to improve community-level security. The governor stressed that maintaining peace would require cooperation from residents, religious institutions, traditional authorities and security agencies.
“Our administration remains committed to post-election peace-building, while strengthening state security to prevent terrorists and bandits from undermining public peace,” he said.
Source: Vanguard News
Content Credit: Adeyemi Esther
Image Credit: Facebook.com
