The deputy commissioner of police in charge of the intelligence response team (IRT), Adamu Muazu, has cautioned churches about the security risks associated with testimonies and evening services conducted without sufficient security measures.
Muazu issued the warning while showcasing four suspects—all members of the same congregation—in connection with a purported plot to abduct a prophetess following her testimony in Abuja.
He cautioned that not everyone who attends religious events has good intentions, saying that sharing testimonies about personal accomplishments in church “doesn’t conform to common sense and rationality.”
“You can’t go to a church located on the outskirts, attend evening prayers, leave in the evening and return home after sharing testimonies about what you have achieved in life,” he said.
“It doesn’t conform to common sense and rationality, especially in the midst of a gathering of people watching you, whom you assume are all men of God. No, everybody has their own motive for going to church.
“If a church or mosque is located on the outskirts, I believe the leaders of those institutions must also think about the security of their members and advise them adequately.
“If you must hold evening services, that must be guided by careful security considerations, particularly regarding the routes in and out of the church and its exits. You can’t have all members coming for evening prayers and saying things they shouldn’t be saying, then expect these underworld men not to plan against them.”
The officer also revealed that two of the suspects were the prophetess’s driver and the church’s head pastor’s bodyguard.
“Surprisingly, one of the suspects turned out to be her driver, who worked with her, while the second suspect is a bodyguard to the head pastor of the church. They are all members of the same church,” he added.
The commissioner is right: people should be cautious about sharing personal or sensitive information in public, including during church testimonies. Limiting such details can help avoid drawing unwanted attention or giving kidnappers information they could exploit.
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Rose Ajieh
