Osun Churches, Mosques Tighten Security After DSS Warning Over Alleged Attack Plot

Christian and Muslim leaders in Osun State have stepped up security around worship centres following a warning from the Department of State Services, DSS, over an alleged plan to attack religious facilities in the state.

The warning followed separate meetings between the DSS and religious leaders in Osogbo last week, where security officials reportedly urged churches and mosques to adopt additional precautionary measures based on intelligence about possible attacks.

The development comes amid reports of an alleged plan by terrorists to spread insecurity to parts of southern Nigeria, particularly the South-West, in a bid to create tension ahead of the presidential election.

Following the alert, the Osun State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, directed churches to strengthen internal security and take further steps to protect worshippers.

The state CAN Chairman, Pastor John Adeleke, urged church leaders to work closely with the association while implementing the recommended measures. He advised churches to strengthen their security departments, identify and profile unfamiliar visitors, inspect bags where necessary and conduct proper checks on vehicles entering church premises.

Adeleke also urged worshippers to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities. He recommended limiting activities such as night vigils, clubbing and unnecessary travel as part of the precautionary measures. Where possible, he said church parking areas should be located at least 100 metres away from worship buildings.

The CAN chairman further cautioned church leaders against publicly celebrating wealthy members whose sources of wealth have not been properly established, amid concerns over potential security risks.

The Muslim community in the state has also moved to reinforce security around mosques. Its Public Relations Officer, Hameed Oyegbade, said chief imams and mosque leaders had been advised to pay closer attention to unfamiliar faces during prayers and provide additional security during Friday Jumat services.

Oyegbade urged worshippers to avoid parking vehicles and motorcycles close to mosques and encouraged imams to use sermons to promote vigilance and responsible security practices. He also called on mosque leaders and members to report suspicious movements to security agencies and avoid sheltering strangers whose identities had not been properly established.

Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke commended the DSS for raising the alarm and taking what he described as proactive measures to address the potential threat.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor assured residents that his administration remained committed to protecting lives and property. He directed security agencies to assess the intelligence and develop coordinated measures to strengthen security across the state.

Adeleke also said he would convene a meeting of the State Security Council to review the alert and assess the effectiveness of existing security plans. He urged residents to provide useful information to security agencies and asked traditional rulers to discuss the warning at their respective council meetings.

“We must nip in the bud the evil plans of enemies of public peace,” the governor said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to post-election peace-building and efforts to prevent terrorists and bandits from disrupting peace in Osun.