The Oyo State Government has joined traditional leaders and cultural groups in seeking the safe return of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, as concerns over insecurity continue to grow across parts of the state.
Government officials participated in a special prayer session organised by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group for the victims who were kidnapped on May 15. The event, approved by the group’s worldwide president, Chief Ojeyemi Ajayi, popularly known as Idunnu Ifa, was held at the Labala Shrine in the Labo area of Ibadan.
The organisers said the gathering was aimed at offering traditional prayers and sacrifices for the safe release of the abductees and for lasting peace and security across Oyo State.
Representing the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, the General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Kunle Agboola, praised the initiative and described it as a demonstration of patriotism and community responsibility. He noted that while several groups had organised prayers since the abduction, the Labala Masquerades Group’s involvement highlighted the importance of collective efforts in addressing societal challenges.
“Thank you for partnering with the government in this challenging moment in our state. Your efforts will not 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.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Oosakola Oladejo, revealed that a private sacrifice had already been conducted for the victims. He explained that the public prayer walk was intended to seek divine intervention for the abductees and to pray against kidnapping and insecurity in the state and across Nigeria.
Following prayers at the shrine, participants led by Labala masquerades embarked on a symbolic prayer procession through parts of Ibadan, including Labo Oranyan, Wesley College, Oba Asanke Street, and Idi-Aro Junction, before returning to the shrine.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State House of Assembly has called for urgent action to address worsening security challenges in parts of the Oke-Ogun region. Lawmakers passed a resolution demanding stronger security interventions following recent attacks by suspected armed bandits along the Kishi-Igbeti and Igboho-Igbeti roads.
The resolution followed a motion jointly sponsored by Minority Leader Waliu Salami and Orelope Constituency representative Luqman Jimoh, who expressed concern over the increasing frequency of violent attacks in the area.
The Assembly recalled a June 12 attack along the Kishi-Igbeti Road that resulted in the death of Moshood Kayode, an employee of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), while several other travellers sustained injuries. Another attack less than 24 hours later along the Igboho-Igbeti Road further heightened fears among residents, farmers, traders, and commuters.
Lawmakers also raised concerns over criminal activities around the Old Oyo National Park corridor, which has witnessed repeated cases of kidnapping and killings. While commending the efforts of the police, military, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters, the House stressed that more proactive measures were needed.
The Assembly urged Governor Seyi Makinde to provide additional funding and logistics support to security outfits operating in vulnerable local government areas, including Irepo, Olorunsogo, and Orelope. It also called for more checkpoints, increased patrols, bush clearing along major roads, and stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies through intelligence sharing.
