Bandits Are Hiding There – Presidency Warns Against Praying On Mountains
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The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement for the North Central region, Abiodun Essiet, has advised residents of Kwara and Kogi states to stop holding prayer gatherings on mountains for now because of rising insecurity in the areas.
Naija News reports that in a statement released on Monday, the presidential aide appealed to religious groups and residents who usually gather at prayer sites known as “Ori Oke” to temporarily suspend such activities until the security situation improves.
Many Christians and other worshippers in the two states often visit mountain tops and forest areas for fasting and special prayers because they believe such locations provide a quiet environment for spiritual activities.
Essiet said the warning became necessary due to increasing attacks by armed groups in parts of Kwara and Kogi. According to the statement, mountains and forests are now being used as hiding places by bandits and other criminals, putting worshippers at risk.
The aide also stated that people can worship God anywhere without exposing themselves to danger. The office advised residents to remain careful and avoid isolated areas that may expose them to attacks or kidnappings.
The statement read: “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 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.”
Kwara and Kogi states have recorded several violent incidents in recent months. Armed gangs have reportedly attacked communities, abducted residents and killed many people in different parts of the two North Central states.
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