Oyo participates in masquerade association's plea for freedom of abducted individuals

The Oyo State Government has participated in a special prayer session hosted by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group, seeking the safe release of abducted victims in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

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This intercession, sanctioned by Chief Ojeyemi Ajayi, also known as Idunnu Ifa, President of the Labala Masquerades Group Worldwide, took place at the Labala shrine in Ibadan's Labo area.

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According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the gathering aimed to offer traditional prayers and sacrifices for the abducted individuals' safe return and the restoration of peace in the state under Governor Engr. 'Seyi Makinde's leadership.

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The Commissioner noted that the essence of the prayer session was to provide spiritual support for the abductees and the state, as expressed in his statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan.

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Representing the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, the General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Kunle Agboola, praised the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group's compassionate and patriotic gesture, demonstrating a strong partnership with the government in addressing societal challenges.

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Agboola commended the group's efforts, stating that their unique spiritual exercise and partnership with the government would yield positive results, and the abductees would soon be reunited with their families.

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He also expressed appreciation for the group's invitation to the government to participate in the prayer session, acknowledging that many groups had organised similar prayers, but this gesture was particularly commendable.

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Chief Oosakola Oladejo, the Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, explained that the group had earlier performed a private sacrifice for the abductees, and the prayer walk was aimed at seeking divine intervention for their safety and an end to kidnapping and insecurity in Oyo State and Nigeria.

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The prayer walk, which included several spiritual leaders, such as Chief Ojediran Olalekan, Otun Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, was a key component of the event, seeking to ward off death and pray for the victims' safe return.

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Following the prayer sessions at the shrine, attendees, led by Labala masquerades, embarked on a prayer walk through various locations in Ibadan, including the Labo, Oranyan area, Wesley College, Oba Asanke Street, Idi-Aro Junction, and back to the shrine.

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A coordinated attack by armed men on 15 May, 2026, in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, resulted in the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers, who remain in captivity.

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Despite the collective efforts of the state and federal governments, as well as security agencies, to rescue the victims alive, they remain held by the terrorists who attacked three schools in the area.