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PCRC
Insecurity: Ogun Reads Riot Act To Churches, Mosques, Demand Improved Security
Fred Omotara, Lagos
With recent attacks on places of worships by terrorists in Nigeria, the Ogun State Government has mandated churches and mosques to set up security teams and install CCTV amongst other security apparatus in their premises.
In a statement signed on Thursday by the Ogun State Chairman, Police Community Security Committee (PCRC), Ven. Dr. Samson Kunle Popoola JP, churches and mosques are henceforth advised to conduct vigils and night worships with extra caution.
According to the statement, “With the wave of insecurity now ravaging the country and the unfortunate incursion into the South West, the Ogun State PCRC wish to advise as follow:
“All Churches and Mosques are to immediately set up a security committee to be headed by a chief security officer with relevant security background if available and at least five other members, inclusive of both sexes.
“All Churches and mosques are to acquire body metal scanners to screen congregants before, during and after services as well as install Close Circuit Television (CCTV) in and around the church, and are to ensure their premises are properly manned and secured.
“All Churches and mosques are to discourage packing of vehicles too close to their places of worship.
“All Churches and mosques are to get and display phone numbers of security officers of their areas such as DPO, DSS, Civil Defence, So Safe, Amotekun and Vigilantes conspicuously in and around the building.
“All Churches and mosques are to organise fire and emergency drills for members at regular intervals to acquaint members with response to emergencies .
“All Churches and mosques are to discourage admitting suspicious and unprofiled members into services.
“Vigils and night worships must be done with caution and with adequate security arrangements.
“Fire extinguishers are to be acquired and installed in places of worships.
“Noise pollution is an offence which must not be encouraged in places of worships.
“Religious leaders are precariously liable for the safety of their congregation,  therefore adequate care must be paid to the children section and Sunday School to ensure security and safety.
“All Churches and mosques must discourage scavengers and suspicious beggars around their premises.
*A seminar/training is in the offing for all security committee members in places of worships as soon as we set them up to be addressed by experts in security matters.”

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