IBADAN, OYO STATE —The Oyo State Government has participated in a special prayer and spiritual intervention organised by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group to seek the safe release of abducted victims from Oriire Local Government Area.
The spiritual gathering, which took place at the Labala shrine in the Labo area of Ibadan, was approved by the President of the Labala Masquerades Group Worldwide, Chief Ojeyemi Ajayi (Idunnu Ifa).
According to the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the initiative was aimed at combining traditional prayers and sacrifices for the safe return of the kidnapped victims and restoration of peace in the state under Governor ‘Seyi Makinde.
“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,” Oyelade said.
The state government was represented at the event by the General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Kunle Agboola, on behalf of the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism. He praised the Labala Masquerades Group for what he described as a strong display of patriotism and concern for the welfare of victims.
Agboola noted that while different groups had organised prayers since the abduction incident, the involvement of the masquerade group stood out due to its collaboration with government efforts.
“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.
“Many groups have organised prayers concerning this incident, but I sincerely appreciate your invitation to the government to participate in this unique spiritual exercise,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Oosakola Oladejo, revealed that the group had earlier conducted private sacrifices for the abducted victims before the public prayer session.
He explained that the prayer walk, which followed the shrine ceremony, was organised to seek divine protection for the victims, prevent loss of lives, and call for an end to kidnapping and insecurity in both Oyo State and Nigeria.
The event featured various spiritual leaders of the Labala Masquerades Group, including the Otun Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Ojediran Olalekan, among others.
Following the shrine prayers, participants—led by masquerade performers—embarked on a procession through key areas of Ibadan, including Labo, Oranyan, Wesley College, Oba Asanke Street, Idi-Aro Junction, before returning to the shrine.
The incident prompting the prayers involved a coordinated attack on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area on 15 May 2026, during which armed assailants abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
Security agencies, alongside state and federal authorities, are reportedly continuing efforts to secure the release of the victims and restore calm to the affected communities.