Tension gripped worshippers at LCCN Church in Ngurore, Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State, after a 19-year-old man, Mohammed Umar, was arrested while disguised in female clothing and loitering suspiciously around the church premises. The incident occurred during Sunday service on May 18, 2025, raising serious security concerns among the congregation.
The suspect, a resident of Abuja Road in Yola South, reportedly wore a full outfit typically associated with women in an apparent effort to conceal his identity. His suspicious movements were noticed by a member of the church, Sunday Andrawus, who promptly alerted the Ngurore Divisional Police Headquarters.
Police operatives swiftly moved to the scene and apprehended Umar, who is now in custody. The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the arrest through its spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, describing the suspect’s conduct as unusual and worthy of deeper investigation.
Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, has since ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yola. The police said the aim is to determine the motive behind the suspect’s actions and whether he intended to commit any crime or cause disruption within the church environment.
Residents of Ngurore and surrounding areas have expressed unease over the incident, especially with growing concerns about insecurity and attacks on places of worship. Church members are calling for increased surveillance and screening during religious gatherings, particularly in areas prone to infiltration and criminal activity.
Security experts say the arrest underscores the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting. “Religious centers are soft targets and must now operate with a mix of faith and heightened security awareness,” one analyst noted, calling on faith institutions to invest in access control systems.
As investigations continue, the police have urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading panic or misinformation. Authorities say any further findings regarding Umar’s intentions will be made public upon conclusion of the probe.
