It happened on a Thursday.
Across Kwara State, a wave of fear swept through communities like a sudden storm. Rumors spread fast — bandits were reportedly approaching. Within minutes, panic became the language of the streets. Parents abandoned their offices, their shops, their schedules, and ran — ran — to school gates to pull their children out before something unthinkable could happen.
I understand that panic. I understand that love. When it concerns our children, every parent becomes a soldier.
But today, I want to speak to something deeper than the news cycle. I want to speak to the fear that lingered long after the children got home safely. The kind of fear that keeps you awake at night. The kind that raises your blood pressure and steals your peace, even when the threat has passed.
There is a word from God for you today.
The God Who Is Present in Your Fear
In Psalm 46:1-2, the Word of God declares:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”
Notice what the Psalmist says: a very present help. Not a distant help. Not a “when-things-calm-down” help. A present help — meaning He is already in the middle of your crisis, even before you begin to pray.
The people of Kwara did not face that Thursday alone.
Fear Is Real. But Fear Is Not Final.
Jesus himself acknowledged that in this world, there will be trouble. He didn’t dismiss it. He didn’t tell us to “just think positive.” He said something far more powerful in John 16:33:
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Trouble is real. But so is His victory over it.
When fear comes — and it will come — the question is not whether you felt afraid. The question is: what did you anchor yourself to after the fear arrived?
A Practical Word to Parents and Families
Your instinct to protect your children is God-given. But here is what I want you to remember:
The same God who placed love in your heart for your children is the same God who watches over them when you cannot. Psalm 121:7-8 says, “The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in, from this time forth, and even forevermore.”
You can love deeply and trust deeply — at the same time.
Do not let rumor become your master. Verify information before you act on it. Panic spreads faster than truth, but wisdom always outlasts both.
A Prayer for the People of Kwara State
Father, I lift up every heart in Kwara State that is still trembling from Thursday’s events.
I pray for the parents who ran to those school gates — let their love be rewarded with peace. I pray for the children who saw fear on their parents’ faces — let them know that they are safe and deeply loved. I pray for security and stability over that region. Confuse every plan of the enemy. Raise up divine protection over every school, every home, every community. And Lord, replace every anxious thought with the steady, unshakeable assurance of Your presence. In the name of Jesus — Amen.
You Were Not Built to Live in Fear
You were built for dominion. You were created to walk in confidence — not the arrogance of self-reliance, but the boldness that comes from knowing whose you are.
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Fear is not your inheritance. Peace is.
I’d love to hear from you. What helps you stay calm and anchored in God when fear tries to take over? Drop your answer in the comments — your response might be exactly what someone else needs to read today.
If this post blessed you, share it with a parent, a friend, or someone in Kwara who needs a reminder that God is still on the throne.
Obatomi Tommy is a motivational speaker, pastor, and leadership coach based in Lagos, Nigeria. He equips young people to think like leaders and walk in dominion over their lives, purpose, and potential. Visit dominionmotivators.org to learn more.
