Oyo State joins Ibadan Labala masquerades’ prayer for release of kidnapping victims

Oyo State Government partners with Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group, offering traditional prayers and sacrifices for the safe release of kidnap victims in O Read More: https://punchng.com/oyo-joins-masquerade-groups-prayer-for-release-of-kidnap-victims/

The Oyo state government joins Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group to pray for the safe return of abducted individuals in Oriire Local Government Area.

The Oyo State Government has participated in a special traditional 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 event, approved by the President of the Labala Masquerades Group Worldwide, Chief Ojeyemi Ajayi (Idunnu Ifa), took place at the Labala shrine in the Labo area of Ibadan, the state capital. Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, announced the government’s involvement in a statement issued on Wednesday. He explained that the initiative involved traditional prayers and sacrifices aimed at securing the safe return of the abductees and restoring peace and security across the state under Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde’s leadership. Representing the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, the General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Kunle Agboola, praised the masquerade group for its compassion, patriotism, and proactive concern for the victims and the state. He highlighted the group’s partnership with the government as a standout effort amid multiple prayer sessions held since the incident. Agboola stated: “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.” On behalf of the masquerade group, the Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Oosakola Oladejo, revealed that a private special sacrifice had already been performed for the victims. He added that the group’s prayer walk through selected areas of Ibadan was intended to invoke divine intervention for the victims’ safety, prevent further deaths, and bring an end to kidnapping and insecurity in Oyo State and Nigeria. Several spiritual leaders of the group, including the Otun Balogun Baale Labala, Chief Ojediran Olalekan, offered prayers at the event. Participants, led by Labala masquerades, then embarked on a prayer walk from the shrine through Labo, Oranyan area, Wesley College, Oba Asanke Street, Idi-Aro Junction, and back to the shrine. The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed terrorists attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area, taking schoolchildren and teachers hostage. Security agencies and both state and federal governments continue efforts to rescue the victims unharmed. This cultural and spiritual collaboration underscores a united approach to tackling the security challenges facing the state.