The Oyo State Government has participated in a special prayer session organised by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group, seeking the safe release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
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.
Speaking through a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the traditional prayers and sacrifices were offered on behalf of the state for the safe return of the abductees and the restoration of peace and security across Oyo State.
According to the commissioner, the exercise reflects the government’s commitment to exploring every lawful and peaceful avenue in support of ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims.
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 Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group for its compassion, patriotism and partnership with the government during the difficult period.
Agboola described the group’s initiative as a demonstration of solidarity with the families of the abducted victims and the state, expressing confidence that the prayers and sacrifices would contribute positively to the safe return of those in captivity.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Oosakola Oladejo, disclosed that special traditional sacrifices had earlier been performed privately for the abducted victims.
He explained that the prayer walk was organised to seek divine intervention for the victims’ safety, avert further loss of lives and pray for lasting peace, an end to kidnapping, and improved security across Oyo State and Nigeria.
Other spiritual leaders of the Labala Masquerades Group, including the Otun Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Ojediran Olalekan, also offered prayers during the event.
Following the prayer session at the shrine, participants, led by the Labala masquerades, embarked on a prayer procession through Labo, Oranyan, Wesley College, Oba Asanke Street, Idi-Aro Junction and back to the shrine.
The special prayers come as security agencies continue coordinated efforts to rescue the schoolchildren and teachers abducted during attacks on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
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