Amid growing anxiety over the fate of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, a group of women traditional worshippers has embarked on a spiritual procession across several revered Yoruba shrines, seeking divine intervention for the safe return of the victims.
The development comes weeks after the mass abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has sparked outrage, protests and widespread concern across the South-West. More than 30 pupils and several teachers were reportedly kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in the area on May 15.
According to reports, the traditional worshippers visited prominent shrines including Olumo Rock, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala and the shrine of the legendary Egba warrior, Sodeke, where prayers and traditional rites were performed for the release of those still in captivity. The procession reportedly concluded at the Itoku shrine in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking during the exercise, the leader of the group said the initiative was driven by concern over the safety of the abducted children, their teachers and other Nigerians being held by kidnappers. She noted that the prayers were intended to invoke spiritual intervention and protection amid the worsening security situation confronting many communities.
The abductions have triggered a wave of reactions across the country. Parents, civil society groups, labour unions and education stakeholders have continued to demand urgent action from authorities, while protests and prayer sessions have been organised in solidarity with the victims and their families.
The Oyo school abductions have further intensified concerns over the spread of kidnapping and armed violence into parts of the South-West previously regarded as relatively secure. Security analysts warn that the attacks signal a dangerous expansion of criminal and insurgent activities beyond their traditional strongholds.
As families continue to wait for the safe return of their loved ones, calls are growing for stronger security measures, swift rescue operations and sustained efforts to protect schools and rural communities from the threat of armed groups operating across the region.
