Traditional group seeks divine intervention as rescue efforts continue for Oriire kidnapping victims.
The Oyo State Government has joined a special prayer session organised by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group for the safe release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The prayer session, held at the Labala shrine in the Labo area of Ibadan, was organised to seek divine intervention for the victims’ safe return and an end to insecurity in the state.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the exercise was approved by the President of the Labala Masquerades Group Worldwide, Chief Ojeyemi Ajayi, as part of efforts to pray for peace and security in Oyo State.
Representing the government at the event, the General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Kunle Agboola, commended the group for its support and concern over the plight of the abducted victims.
Agboola said the government appreciated the partnership, expressing hope that the prayers and sacrifices would yield positive results and lead to the safe reunion of the victims with their families.
The Labala group also embarked on a prayer walk through parts of Ibadan after the shrine session, calling for divine protection and an end to kidnapping across the state.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, during an attack on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.