There was panic at the Central Mosque in Auchi on Friday afternoon when a swarm of bees invaded the prayer hall, abruptly disrupting Jumaat (Friday) prayers.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred just as worshippers had gathered for their weekly congregational prayer, only to be met with a sudden influx of bees that forced them to flee in confusion.

Some described how the swarm descended rapidly into the mosque, prompting an immediate halt to the proceedings.

READ ALSO: Edo Police Arrest Four Suspected Cultists

Amid surprise and apprehension, men and women quickly abandoned their prayer mats, some running outside to avoid potential stings.

Videos shared on social media platforms captured worshippers scattering in alarm as the bees buzzed densely within the closed space.

Local observers noted that this rare occurrence sparked widespread curiosity and concern across the community. Some interpreted the incident as a possible spiritual sign.

One Instagram user expressed the sentiment, questioning whether “this is a sign that Allah was angry? “

READ ALSO: Edo PDP Expresses Concern Over Okpebholo’s ₦100bn Loan, Says ‘It’s Another Conduit Pipe’

However, others cautioned against speculative interpretations, urging calm and practical responses.

A beekeeper explained that such unexpected bee swarms—especially in urban or semi‑urban settings—can naturally occur when hives split and scout bees seek new nesting sites.

“Once a queen is found by scouts, the swarm may cluster temporarily in unusual locations, including buildings. In this case, the Central Mosque—as a large, enclosed space—likely appeared suitable”, he argued.

Meanwhile, the Central Mosque management is expected to clean and inspect the premises before coming Friday prayers.

Residents of Lafiagi in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State took to the streets on Monday in protest against what they described as worsening insecurity in their communities, including repeated cases of terrorism, kidnapping and killings.

The protesters, predominantly youths from the area, voiced frustration over what they termed government inaction in the face of continued violence.

They were seen in a video clip chanting solidarity songs and waving placards, demanding urgent intervention to curb the bloodshed and abductions disrupting daily life.

READ ALSO: Troops Nab 8 Kidnap Suspects, Rescue 2 Victims In Kwara

The irate youths set fire to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, office in Lafiagi and vandalised the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi, smashing windows and damaging parts of the building.

“We have been crying and dying in silence,” a resident said in the video clip. “People are being kidnapped every week. We don’t sleep with both eyes closed anymore, and nobody, neither the governor, the chairman, nor even the Emir, is doing anything about it.”

The protest, sources said, was triggered by accumulated anger over persistent attacks and lack of effective response from local and state authorities.

READ ALSO: Six Kwara SUBEB Officials In Court For Alleged N96m Fraud

“The youths are exhausted, and there has been no concrete action from the government,” a source stated. “The frequency of attacks has increased, which is why the protest erupted today.”

The unrest reportedly escalated as protesters moved toward key government buildings, including security agency offices. According to eyewitnesses, the NDLEA facility was set ablaze during the demonstration.

Lafiagi and neighbouring communities have experienced several abductions in recent weeks, with multiple residents still being held captive.

Families of the victims have reportedly paid substantial ransoms to secure the release of their loved ones.

DAILY POST reports that three Fulani women were abducted in the area on Sunday.

The remaining 10 passengers of the State Government owned Benue Links Transport Company, who were a week ago abducted by armed men along the Eke-Elengbecho axis of Okpokwu Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State, Sunday afternoon regained their freedom.

The victims who ran into an ambush and were taken away by the armed men on Sunday, June 22, were travelling from Abeokuta en route to Makurdi at the time of the incident.

Confirming the release of the passengers in a statement, Johnson Daniel, the Information Officer of the company, said it was a relief for Benue Links to confirm the safe release of the passengers.

READ ALSO:Again, Armed Herders Invade Benue Community, Kill 4 Police Officers

He pointed out that “the passengers, who were initially 12 at the point of abduction, with two earlier rescued, had been held against their will by unidentified individuals but have now regained their freedom.

“We are deeply grateful that they have returned safely and are in stable condition. Appropriate medical evaluations and counselling are currently ongoing to support their well-being after this distressing ordeal.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the relevant security agencies, community leaders, and all those who played a critical role in facilitating the release of the passengers. Their coordinated efforts and dedicated commitment to the safety of citizens have been invaluable during this challenging time.

READ ALSO:Benue Killings: ‘This Is Genocide, Not A Dispute’, Tor Tiv Tells Tinubu

“Benue Links Nigeria Limited remains steadfast in our commitment to the safety and security of all our passengers and staff.

“We will continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement authorities to ensure that justice is served and to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. Enhanced security measures are also being implemented across all our routes to further safeguard our operations.”

Contacted, the Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive details of the development.