Residents abandon night congregational Ramadan prayers in Kwara over fear of t£rror ∆ttacks

Residents abandon night congregational Ramadan prayers in Kwara over fear of terror attacks

Residents of several communities in Edu and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara state have suspended night congregational prayers, including Tarawih, Maghrib, and Isha’i prayers, over fears of renewed terrorist attacks.

According to reportsMuslim faithful in communities such as Gbugbu, Yikpata, Kali, Baburasa, and Gada Oli now observe their Ramadan prayers indoors as insecurity worsens across the area.

The decision was taken after recent attacks by suspected terrorists who have reportedly targeted rural settlements, creating widespread panic, especially during evening and night hours when worshippers usually gather in mosques, sources who spoke to Sahara Reporters said.

A resident in Gbugbu said the atmosphere of fear has disrupted long-standing religious traditions.

“Everyone knows our mosques used to fill every night in Ramadan. But now people are afraid. Many families pray inside their homes because going to the mosque after sunset is risky,” the source said.

Another resident from Kpanpkanragi village explained that the situation worsened following repeated terror attacks reported across riverine communities in Kwara North.

“People have been attacked on roads and in nearby villages. Nobody wants to take chances anymore. Once it gets dark, people now avoid leaving their houses. We all saw what happened in Gbugbu when the terrorists invaded the town during this Ramadan,” he said.

Community sources also linked the decline in mosque attendance to the curfew imposed by authorities in Edu and Kaiama local government areas, introduced as part of emergency security measures following recent attacks by armed groups operating within the region.

According to residents, the curfew, which restricts movement during evening and nighttime hours, has effectively prevented worshippers from gathering for congregational prayers central to Ramadan observances.

A resident said the restriction, though intended to improve security, has disrupted religious life.

“The curfew means people must stay indoors early. Even those willing to attend Tarawih prayers cannot risk being stopped or caught outside. So mosques remain nearly empty at night,” he said.

In Motokun community, a Muslim worshipper described the situation as unprecedented.

“We have never experienced a Ramadan like this. Tarawih prayers used to overflow outside the mosque. Now only a few elderly people come, and even they leave quickly out of fear,” he said.

Residents blamed recurring attacks in Edu, Kaiama, and surrounding communities for creating widespread panic.

They noted that incidents of killings, kidnappings, and armed invasions in recent days have forced many villagers to adopt self-imposed movement restrictions even beyond official curfew hours.

Are emergency measures like curfews enough, or is a stronger, more coordinated response needed to restore confidence in affected areas, and how long should residents have to choose between their safety and their faith? Share your views in the comments.