Oyo State has joined a special prayer session organised by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group for the safe release of schoolchildren, teachers and other victims abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
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 representative, the Oyo State Government said the event was aimed at seeking divine intervention for the safe return of the abductees and the restoration of peace and security across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the prayers and traditional sacrifices were offered on behalf of the state in support of ongoing efforts to secure the freedom of the victims.
Representing the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, the General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Kunle Agboola, commended the masquerade group for its compassion and patriotism.
He noted that although many groups and individuals had organised prayers since the abduction occurred, the involvement of the Labala Masquerades Group demonstrated strong collaboration between traditional institutions and government in addressing societal challenges.
Agboola expressed confidence that the prayers would yield positive results and lead to the safe return of the victims to their families.
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 performed privately for the abductees.
He explained that the prayer walk organised by the group was intended to seek divine protection for the victims, prevent further loss of lives and bring 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.
Following the prayer session, participants led by the Labala masquerades embarked on a 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 prayer exercise comes weeks after armed men attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, abducting pupils and teachers.
Security agencies, alongside the Oyo State and Federal Governments, continue efforts to secure the safe rescue of the victims.