The Oyo State Government has participated in a special prayer session organised by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group for the safe return of victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The prayer programme, 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 exercise was aimed at seeking divine intervention for the safe release of the abductees and the restoration of peace and security across the state.
According to him, the traditional prayers and sacrifices were offered on behalf of the state in support of Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts to ensure the victims regain their freedom.
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 masquerade group for its compassion, patriotism and concern for the welfare of the victims.
Agboola noted that while various groups and individuals had organised prayer sessions since the abduction occurred, the initiative by the Labala Masquerades Group stood out as a demonstration of strong collaboration with the government in addressing societal challenges.
He expressed optimism that the prayers and sacrifices would yield positive results and lead to the safe reunion of the victims with their families.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Oosakola Oladejo, revealed that a special sacrifice had earlier been performed privately for the abductees.
He explained that the prayer walk organised across selected 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 the country at large.
Several spiritual leaders of the Labala Masquerades Group participated in the prayer session, including the Otun Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Ojediran Olalekan.
Following the prayers at the shrine, participants, led by Labala masquerades, embarked on a prayer walk through Labo, Oranyan, Wesley College, Oba Asanke Street, Idi-Aro Junction and back to the shrine.
The prayer initiative 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 several pupils and teachers. Efforts by security agencies and both the state and federal governments to secure their release are ongoing.
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