MFM halts nationwide vigils over security concerns

The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) has suspended vigils, overnight prayer sessions and similar late-hour programmes across all its branches nationwide. 

The directive was conveyed in an internal circular issued on June 5 and signed by Temitope Olawale, the ministry’s director of administration.

Under the new guidelines, all church activities, services, meetings and programmes at every level of the ministry must conclude no later than 8pm until further notice.

Branches that traditionally hold overnight programmes have been instructed to convert them into evening prayer sessions that end on or before the stipulated time.

According to the circular, the decision was taken as a precautionary measure in response to prevailing security challenges across the country.

“These measures are purely precautionary and are intended to safeguard the lives and well-being of our members in the face of the current security situation in the country,” the memo stated.

The church leadership directed pastors, overseers, departments and ministry groups nationwide to comply fully with the new arrangement.

It also tasked mega regional overseers with ensuring the directive is communicated across all regions, zones and branches under their supervision for immediate implementation.

The move comes amid increasing concerns over insecurity in several parts of Nigeria, prompting organisations, institutions and religious bodies to review operational schedules and adopt additional safety measures for members and worshippers.

The ministry has not indicated when the suspension of vigils and overnight programmes will be reviewed.