Presidency Warns Against Forest Prayer Meetings In Kwara, Kogi

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, has called on residents and religious groups in Kwara and Kogi states to suspend Ori Oke prayer gatherings over security concerns in the affected areas.

The office said mountains and forests were increasingly being used as hideouts by bandits and other criminal elements, warning that such gatherings could expose worshippers to danger.

In a statement issued to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, Dr Abiodun Essiet, the office urged residents to temporarily halt prayer meetings in remote locations until the security situation stabilises.

“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 stated that God could be worshipped anywhere and warned against holding religious gatherings in forests and mountainous areas.

“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,” it added.

It also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies working to maintain peace and security across communities in the North Central region.

“Citizens were also urged to support and cooperate with security agencies who are working tirelessly to sustain peace, protect lives, and maintain security across communities in the North Central region,” the statement added.