Panic as Swarm of Bees Disrupts Friday Prayers at Central Mosque in Auchi, Edo State

AUCHI, EDO STATE — Worshippers at the Central Mosque in Auchi were thrown into panic on Friday, June 28, when a sudden and aggressive swarm of bees invaded the mosque premises, abruptly halting the Juma’at (Friday) prayers and causing widespread commotion.

Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m., shortly after the commencement of the sermon. The bees descended without warning, targeting the congregation inside and around the prayer hall. The unexpected invasion forced hundreds of worshippers to flee in different directions for safety, abandoning their personal belongings and leaving footwear scattered across the mosque’s courtyard.

According to mosque officials, the swarm appeared to emerge from a nearby tree adjacent to the mosque’s outer fence. Despite efforts by mosque security and local volunteers to calm the situation, the bees proved uncontrollable, attacking several individuals and stinging many.

“We’ve never witnessed anything like this,” said Imam Musa Lawal, who was delivering the sermon at the time. “It was like a scene from a movie. People were shouting, running, and some even jumped over the fence to escape the bees. Alhamdulillah, no life was lost, but many people were injured.”

At least 15 people reportedly sustained mild to moderate stings, including elderly worshippers and children. First aid was administered to the victims, while some were taken to nearby clinics for further treatment. Medical personnel later confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Local authorities and environmental health officers have since been deployed to the scene to investigate the cause of the incident and to determine whether the bees were disturbed by external factors such as construction or environmental change. Efforts are also being made to remove the hive safely without further disturbance to the community.

The incident has left many residents of Auchi stunned, sparking speculation and concern among the faithful. While some described the incident as a natural occurrence, others fear it may be a spiritual or supernatural warning. Religious leaders have urged calm and advised against panic-driven interpretations, emphasizing the need for prayer and vigilance.

Security has been heightened around the mosque in the aftermath of the incident, and worshippers have been advised to remain cautious in the coming days. Plans are also underway to fumigate the surrounding area and ensure a safe environment for worshippers before the next Friday service.

The Edo State Muslim Community has called for a thorough investigation and requested collaboration between environmental agencies and religious institutions to prevent such occurrences in the future.