By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA – THE Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, has urged residents and religious groups in Kwara and Kogi States to temporarily suspend Ori Oke prayer gatherings amid escalating security concerns.

Dr. Essiet, in a statement on Monday, warned that mountains and forests — traditional venues for Ori Oke worship — have increasingly become hideouts for bandits and other criminal elements, creating serious risks for worshippers and nearby communities.

The office urged caution and cooperation with security forces while the situation stabilises. “God is omnipotent and can be worshipped anywhere,” she said, stressing that safety must take precedence during the current security challenge.

She also urged citizens 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.”

She explained that the appeal was a temporary public-safety measure rather than an attack on religious practice, as the suspension is intended to reduce exposure of congregants to criminal activity that exploits remote worship sites.

Security analysts have in recent months reported a rise in criminal groups using secluded terrain to evade patrols and stage attacks.

Local leaders and faith groups in the two states are being asked to publicise the temporary suspension and to move communal worship to safer, more secure locations until security conditions improve.

The SSA promised that she would continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with security agencies and community leaders on timing and procedures for any eventual resumption of Ori Oke gatherings.