Bandits Are Hiding There,” Presidency Warns Against Mountain Prayer Sessions

According to Ireporter Online, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement for the North Central region, Abiodun Essiet, has called on residents of Kwara and Kogi states, as well as religious groups, to temporarily suspend prayer gatherings on mountains amid worsening insecurity in the area.

The presidential aide made the appeal in a statement released on Monday, urging worshippers who regularly converge on elevated and forested prayer sites popularly known as “Ori Oke” to halt such activities until the security situation improves. He explained that the advice became necessary following rising incidents of armed attacks across parts of both states, noting that forests and mountain areas are increasingly being exploited by suspected bandits and other criminal elements as hideouts, thereby placing worshippers at significant risk.

Essiet further stressed that religious practice is not restricted to specific locations, emphasizing that worship can be conducted anywhere without endangering lives. He advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid isolated environments that could expose them to kidnapping or violent attacks.

In his words, the office noted that mountains and forests, once considered peaceful spiritual retreat locations, have now become security flashpoints due to criminal activities, making temporary suspension of such gatherings necessary for safety reasons.

Kwara and Kogi states have in recent months witnessed a surge in violent incidents, including attacks on communities, kidnappings, and killings carried out by armed groups operating in different parts of the North Central region.