The Oyo State Government has joined a masquerade group in traditional prayers for the safe return of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers.
The Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group organised the special prayer session. It was held at the Labala shrine in the Labo area of Ibadan on Wednesday.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said in a statement that the government approved the event. The aim is to offer traditional prayers and sacrifices for the abductees and for peace to return to the state.
"The essence is to offer traditional prayers and sacrifices on behalf of the state for the safe return of the abductees and the restoration of peace and security in the state under the leadership of Engr. 'Seyi Makinde," Oyelade said.
The prayer session was approved by the President of the Labala Masquerades Group Worldwide, Chief Ojeyemi Ajayi, also known as Idunnu Ifa.
Kunle Agboola, the General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, represented the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism at the event. He praised the group for its compassion and patriotism.
Agboola noted that several groups and individuals had organised prayer sessions since the attack. But he said the masquerade group's gesture was special because it showed a strong partnership with the government.
"Thank you for partnering with the government in this challenging moment in our state. Your efforts won't 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," Agboola said.
Chief Oosakola Oladejo, the Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, spoke for the group. He said a private sacrifice had already been carried out for the abductees. The prayer walk was meant to seek divine intervention for their safety and to pray for an end to kidnapping and insecurity in Oyo State and Nigeria.
Several spiritual leaders of the Labala Masquerades Group offered prayers at the event. They included Chief Ojediran Olalekan, the Otun Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State.
After the prayers at the shrine, attendees led by masquerades walked through parts of Ibadan. They moved from the Labala Shrine through Labo, Oranyan area, Wesley College, Oba Asanke Street, Idi-Aro Junction, and back to the shrine.
The Punch newspaper reported that terrorists attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area on 15 May 2026. Armed men kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers during the coordinated attack.
The state and federal governments, along with security agencies, have been working to rescue the victims alive. The prayer walk was the latest effort to seek spiritual help for their release.