OYO ABDUCTION: MASQUERADE GROUP PRAYS FOR RELEASE OF ABDUCTED VICTIMS

Read Time:2 Minute, 0 Second

By: Sunmola Ganiyat

The Oyo State Government has participated in a special prayer session organised by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group for the safe return of victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The prayer session, approved by the President of the Labala Masquerades Group Worldwide, Chief Ojeyemi Ajayi (Idunnu Ifa), was held at the Labala shrine in the Labo area of Ibadan.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan.

According to him, the initiative was aimed at seeking spiritual intervention for the safe release of the abductees and for the restoration of peace and security in the state under Governor ‘Seyi Makinde.

He noted that the state government welcomed the collaboration, describing it as a complementary effort in the ongoing search for the victims.

READ MORE…

TINUBU APPOINTS SMART OLUGBEKO AS PROVOST OF FCE ILAWE-EKITI

Representing the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, the General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Kunle Agboola, commended the group for its patriotism and concern for the victims.

He said the initiative demonstrated strong cooperation between traditional institutions and government in addressing security challenges, adding that similar prayers by various groups had been ongoing since the incident.

Agboola expressed optimism that the spiritual intervention would yield positive results and lead to the safe return of the abducted victims.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Oosakola Oladejo, said a private sacrifice had earlier been conducted for the victims before the public prayer session.

He explained that the prayer walk was organised across parts of Ibadan to seek divine protection for the abductees, prevent further loss of life, and call for an end to insecurity in the state and across the country.

Religious leaders of the Labala Masquerades Group also offered prayers during the event.

Following the shrine session, participants embarked on a prayer procession through several parts of Ibadan, including Labo, Oranyan, Wesley College, Oba Asanke Street, and Idi-Aro Junction, before returning to the shrine.

The development comes after terrorists reportedly attacked schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, abducting students and teachers.

Despite ongoing efforts by security agencies and government authorities, the victims are yet to regain their freedom.