The Oyo State Government has participated in a special prayer programme organised by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group to seek the safe return of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The prayer session, held at the Labala Shrine in the Labo area of Ibadan, was conducted with the approval of the President of the Labala Masquerades Group Worldwide, Chief Ojeyemi Ajayi, popularly known as Idunnu Ifa.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the event was aimed at invoking divine intervention for the release of the victims and the restoration of peace and security across the state.

According to the statement, the government joined the traditional prayers and sacrifices offered on behalf of the abductees and in support of ongoing efforts by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to tackle insecurity.

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, praised the Labala Masquerades Group for its concern for the victims and commitment to the welfare of the state.

Agboola described the initiative as a demonstration of patriotism and solidarity with the government, adding that it reflected a collective resolve to confront security challenges through both spiritual and civic support.

He expressed optimism that the prayers and sacrifices would contribute to the safe return of the victims and reunite them with their families.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, the Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Oosakola Oladejo, revealed that the group had earlier conducted a private sacrificial rite specifically for the abductees.

He explained that the subsequent prayer walk across parts of Ibadan was intended to seek divine protection for the victims, avert further loss of lives, and pray for an end to kidnapping and insecurity in Oyo State and across the country.

Several spiritual leaders within the Labala Masquerades Group participated in the programme, including the Otun Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Ojediran Olalekan, who joined others in offering prayers for the abductees and the state.

Following the prayers at the shrine, participants, led by Labala masquerades, embarked on a procession through Labo, Oranyan, Wesley College, Oba Asanke Street, Idi-Aro Junction and other adjoining areas before returning to the shrine.

The prayer initiative comes in the wake of the May 15, 2026 attack on three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men abducted several pupils and teachers during coordinated assaults.

Efforts by security agencies, supported by both the state and federal governments, are ongoing to secure the release of the victims and ensure their safe return.