Christian and Muslim groups in Osun State have adopted new security measures after the Department of State Services (DSS) alerted religious leaders to an alleged plan to attack worship centres in the state.

The alert followed separate meetings between the DSS and religious leaders in Osogbo last week, where leaders say they were advised to take precautionary steps.

According to the intelligence report cited by the DSS, attackers were allegedly planning to spread insecurity into southern Nigeria, particularly the South-West, and create tension ahead of the presidential election.

Churches And Mosques Respond

The Osun State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said it has introduced measures to strengthen security around churches.

State CAN Chairman Pastor John Adeleke called on congregations to cooperate with the association, including by reinforcing church security departments and screening new faces at worship centres.

“We also encourage churches to raise an alarm when they notice some insecurity or danger in your community. Discourage night vigil, clubbing and travelling for members,” Adeleke said.

He added that car parks should, where possible, sit at least 100 metres from church buildings, and that leaders should avoid publicly celebrating wealthy congregants whose sources of income are unclear.

The Public Relations Officer of the Osun Muslim community, Hameed Oyegbade, said mosque leaders have been advised to watch for unfamiliar visitors, particularly around Friday prayers.

“For chief imams of Friday congregations, we urged more vigilance and the presence of security during Jumat services, and ensuring that vehicles or motorcycles are not parked close to mosque buildings,” he said, adding that imams have also been asked to use their sermons to spread caution and report suspicious movement to security agencies.

Governor Adeleke Pledges Security Council Meeting

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, in a statement issued through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, commended the DSS for its proactive steps and pledged his administration’s commitment to public safety.

“I commend the Department of State Services, DSS, for taking proactive measures to counter the threats. I charge other security agencies to review the situation and develop an action plan to strengthen security of lives and property,” the governor said.

Adeleke said he would soon convene a State Security Council meeting to assess the threat and review existing response plans, and urged residents to report suspicious individuals or movements in their neighbourhoods without delay.

He also asked traditional rulers to raise the issue at their council meetings.

“Our administration is committed to post-election peace-building, and we must tighten state security to foil any attempt by terrorists and bandits to disrupt public peace,” Adeleke said.

The DSS has not publicly detailed the specific worship centres or groups allegedly targeted, and JolibaLive could not independently verify the underlying intelligence report as of publication.