The Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) in Kogi State has ordered the temporary suspension of Christian worship services in parts of its jurisdiction due to escalating security concerns. The directive affects Christian congregations in areas identified by authorities as vulnerable to rising insecurity.
The move, issued through the office of the local government’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, came amid reports of increased criminal activity, prompting local leaders to act proactively to protect lives and property. The authority said the suspension is a temporary safety measure intended to allow security agencies and religious stakeholders to collaborate on strategies to enhance protection around worship centres before services resume.
According to local government representatives, the chairman of Okehi LGA has invited pastors and church leaders to meet with officials to assess the situation and determine conditions for a safe return to regular worship. The administration stressed that the directive targets only services in insecure areas, with a focus on ensuring that congregants are not exposed to avoidable risks.
Residents and clergy expressed concern over the suspension but acknowledged the LGA’s responsibility to prioritise public safety amid an environment where many communities face threats from criminal elements. The decision underscores the broader insecurity challenges confronting parts of central Nigeria and the efforts by local authorities to safeguard citizens during periods of heightened risk.
