The Oyo State Government has joined members of the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group in a special spiritual exercise and prayer session for the safe release of abducted pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The unusual but symbolic gathering took place at the Labala Shrine in the Labo area of Ibadan, following approval by the President of the Labala Masquerades Group Worldwide, Chief Ojeyemi Ajayi (Idunnu Ifa).
Speaking through a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the prayer session was organised to seek divine intervention for the victims and restore peace 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,” Oyelade 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, praised the masquerade group for standing with the government during the difficult period.
He described the gesture as patriotic and compassionate, noting that the spiritual exercise reflected the group’s concern for the safety of the victims and the overall peace of the state.
“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,” 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 privately performed for the kidnapped victims.
He explained that the prayer walk across parts of Ibadan was aimed at seeking divine protection for the abductees, preventing further bloodshed and bringing an end to kidnapping and insecurity in Oyo State and across Nigeria.
Several spiritual leaders of the Labala Masquerades Group also offered prayers during the event, including the Otun Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Ojediran Olalekan, among others.
After the prayer session, participants led by the Labala masquerades embarked on a symbolic 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 development comes weeks after terrorists attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, abducting pupils and teachers during the coordinated assault.
Efforts by security agencies, alongside the state and federal governments, to rescue the victims are still ongoing.
