Oyo Joins Masquerade Group’s Prayer for Release of Abducted Schoolchildren

• The Oyo State Government has joined members of the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group in a special prayer session and sacrifice for the safe return of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The Oyo State Government has participated in a special traditional prayer session organised by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group for the safe release of schoolchildren and teachers 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, popularly known as Idunnu Ifa, was held at the Labala Shrine in the Labo area of Ibadan.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed the development in a statement released on Wednesday.

According to Oyelade, the spiritual exercise was aimed at seeking divine intervention for the return of the abducted victims and the restoration of peace and security across the state.

“The essence is to offer traditional prayers and sacrifices on behalf of the state for the safe return of the abductees and the restoration of peace and security in the state under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde,” he said.

Representing the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism at the event, the General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Kunle Agboola, commended the masquerade group for showing compassion and patriotism during a difficult period for the state.

He noted that while many religious and community groups had organised prayer sessions since the abduction occurred, the involvement of the Labala Masquerades Group reflected strong collaboration between traditional institutions and government.

“Thank you for partnering with the government in this challenging moment in our state. Your efforts will not be in vain. We believe that the prayers and sacrifices offered today will yield positive results, and that the abductees will soon reunite with their families,” Agboola said.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Oosakola Oladejo, disclosed that special sacrifices had earlier been performed privately for the victims.

He explained that the prayer walk across selected locations in Ibadan was intended to seek divine intervention, ward off death, and pray for an end to kidnapping and insecurity in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

Several spiritual leaders of the group also offered prayers during the event.

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After the prayer session at the shrine, participants, led by the Labala masquerades, embarked on a prayer walk through major parts of Ibadan, including Labo, Oranyan, Wesley College, Oba Asanke Street, and Idi-Aro Junction before returning to the shrine.

The prayer gathering comes weeks after armed men attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.

During the coordinated attack, dozens of schoolchildren and teachers were abducted, sparking nationwide concern and intensified rescue efforts by security agencies and the Oyo State Government.

Authorities have continued to assure residents that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of all the victims.