Worsening insecurity and government-imposed curfews have forced many Muslim faithful in parts of Kwara State to suspend night congregational prayers during Ramadan, as residents cite safety concerns and movement restrictions.
Findings indicate that Muslims in several communities in Edu and Patigi local government areas have been unable to observe Maghrib, Isha’i and Tarawih prayers in congregation following recent violent attacks and the introduction of curfews.
Affected areas include Gbugbu town and Kpanpkanragi village in Edu LGA, as well as Gamalegi, Lataworo, Motokun and Agboro communities in neighbouring Patigi LGA. Residents say mosques that traditionally record high attendance during Ramadan evenings are now largely deserted.
“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,” a community source in Gbugbu said.
Another resident from Kpanpkanragi said repeated attacks across riverine communities in Kwara North have heightened fear. “Once it gets dark, people avoid leaving their houses. Nobody wants to take chances anymore,” he said, referring to recent incidents in the area.
Residents also linked the decline in mosque attendance to the curfew imposed in Edu and Kaiama LGAs as part of emergency security measures. They said the restrictions, though aimed at curbing violence, have disrupted religious activities central to Ramadan observances.
“The curfew means people must stay indoors early. Even those willing to attend Tarawih prayers cannot risk being stopped or caught outside,” another resident said.
Community members blamed recurring incidents of killings, kidnappings and armed attacks in Edu, Kaiama and surrounding areas for the atmosphere of fear, noting that many villagers now observe self-imposed movement limits beyond official curfew hours.
The situation in Kwara follows a similar incident reported in Dadinkowa town, Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where gunmen attacked a mosque during prayers, killing four worshippers and injuring others. The victims were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
