Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren: Traditional Worshippers Hold Spiritual Procession for Victims’ Release in Abeokuta.

Abeokuta, Ogun State — In a demonstration of concern over the fate of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, a group of female traditional worshippers from various parts of Egbaland on Friday organized a spiritual procession across key cultural and religious sites in Abeokuta, calling for divine intervention in the ongoing kidnapping crisis.

The gathering was prompted by the continued captivity of pupils and educators reportedly abducted from Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Participants expressed deep concern over the victims’ safety and appealed for supernatural assistance to secure their freedom.

Dressed in white ceremonial attire and carrying traditional ritual objects, the women moved through major streets and sacred locations within the Ogun State capital. Throughout the procession, they offered prayers and performed customary rites aimed at invoking ancestral protection and seeking solutions to the growing insecurity affecting communities across the region.

The exercise was led by Dr. Omolara Fashola-MacGregor, the Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom. She described the event as a sacred appeal to revered deities and ancestral figures, seeking protection for the victims and peace throughout Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

As part of the spiritual exercise, the worshippers visited several historic and culturally significant sites, including Olumo Rock, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, and the shrine dedicated to the renowned Egba warrior, Sodeke. The procession concluded at the Itoku Shrine located at Orita Aje Junction in Abeokuta, where final prayers were offered.

Speaking with journalists, Fashola-MacGregor explained that the initiative was inspired by the urgent need to support innocent Nigerians currently being held by kidnappers.

She emphasized that while security agencies continue their operations, communities also have a role to play through collective prayers, unity, and support for efforts aimed at restoring peace.

According to her, the worsening security situation across different parts of the country requires collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, religious bodies, traditional leaders, and local communities.

She further noted that traditional institutions have historically played important roles in maintaining social harmony, resolving conflicts, and promoting communal well-being.

During the ceremony, special prayers were also offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, traditional rulers across Yorubaland, and other national leaders, with participants seeking wisdom, protection, and success in addressing the country’s security challenges.

The event drew attention from residents and traders who lined the streets to observe the procession. Traditional songs, chants, and cultural rites formed part of the activities as participants appealed for an end to kidnapping, violent crimes, and insecurity across Nigeria.

The worshippers expressed optimism that their spiritual efforts would complement ongoing government and security interventions, while encouraging citizens to remain hopeful and united during the difficult period.

The procession ended with collective prayers for peace, safety, and the swift return of all abducted persons to their families.