The Executive Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Area in Kwara State, Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, has ordered the indefinite suspension of night vigils in worship centres located in rural communities across the council following a deadly gunmen attack on worshippers during a church programme.
The directive followed the tragic invasion of a Christian night vigil at Ori-Oke Ajaiye near Ikerin-Opin, where armed men reportedly killed three worshippers and abducted 15 others during the service.
In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Dada Sunday, the chairman said the decision was based on recommendations from the council’s security advisory team amid growing concerns over insecurity in isolated communities.
According to the statement, all religious organisations operating in remote areas have been directed to relocate their activities to community centres within towns and villages to reduce exposure to attacks.
The council also announced new restrictions on worship activities, directing that daytime religious services should not exceed two hours.
Awelewa expressed disappointment that the attacked church allegedly continued organising night programmes in a remote location despite repeated warnings earlier issued to religious bodies through the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the League of Imams.
“Faith cannot be practised at the expense of life. We have consistently advised churches and mosques in isolated areas to stop holding night vigils. Worship is meant to edify and protect, not expose people to avoidable danger,” the statement quoted him as saying.
He stressed that security remains a collective responsibility, warning residents and religious leaders against ignoring safety concerns in volatile areas.
“Security is a shared responsibility. Our people must choose prudence over ritual when the environment is unsafe. No prayer is more valuable than human life,” he added.
The chairman described the attack as a painful reminder of the worsening insecurity affecting vulnerable communities, especially worship centres situated far from populated areas.
He noted that the church’s location on a hill far from residential settlements made it difficult for security operatives to respond swiftly during the attack.
“Help could not come quickly because the congregation was isolated. That is a reality we must confront honestly,” the statement added.
Awelewa assured residents that the local government would continue collaborating with the Kwara State Government and security agencies to strengthen surveillance in vulnerable communities and secure the release of the abducted worshippers.
He also extended condolences to the families of those killed and sympathised with victims affected by the attack.