Tinubu’s Aide Urges Suspension of Mountain Prayers in Kwara, Kogi Over Insecurity
A presidential aide has advised residents and religious groups in Kwara and Kogi states to temporarily suspend prayer gatherings held on mountains and in forested areas due to rising insecurity in the region.
The appeal was made by Abiodun Esset, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement for the North Central region, in a statement issued on Monday.
Esset urged worshippers who regularly gather at “Ori Oke” prayer grounds — a Yoruba term meaning “mountain top” — to avoid such locations until the security situation improves.
Many Christians and other religious worshippers often visit mountain prayer sites for spiritual retreats and special prayers because they believe such places offer closeness to God.
According to the presidential aide, forests and remote mountain areas in parts of Kwara and Kogi have increasingly become hideouts for bandits and other criminal groups, posing serious risks to worshippers and nearby communities.
“The Office of the SSA to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, has appealed to residents and religious groups in Kwara and Kogi States to temporarily suspend Ori Oke prayer gatherings until the security situation in the affected areas stabilises,” the statement read.
The office stressed that God can be worshipped anywhere and that public safety should remain a priority during the current security challenges.
“The Office noted that God is omnipotent and can be worshipped anywhere, stressing that mountains and forests have increasingly become hideouts for bandits and criminal elements, thereby posing security risks to worshippers and communities,” the statement added.
Kwara and Kogi states have witnessed increasing attacks by armed groups in recent months, including cases of kidnappings, killings, and attacks on rural communities. Security agencies have continued operations across the two states in efforts to curb criminal activities and restore safety.
