Imams go spiritual as Christian youths rally over abducted pupils, teachers
The Oyo State League of Imams and Alfas and the Muslim Community of Oyo State on Sunday converged on Yidi Agodi Praying Ground, Ibadan, for a special prayer session seeking divine intervention for the release of teachers and pupils recently abducted in Oriire Local Government Area. Terrorists abducted 46 pupils and teachers in a coordinated […]
The Oyo State League of Imams and Alfas and the Muslim Community of Oyo State on Sunday converged on Yidi Agodi Praying Ground, Ibadan, for a special prayer session seeking divine intervention for the release of teachers and pupils recently abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
Terrorists abducted 46 pupils and teachers in a coordinated attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
On Sunday, the Muslim community in the state, led by the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakar Agbotomokekere, held a prayer session for the safe return of the victims.
The prayer session attracted hundreds of clerics, Islamic scholars, and community leaders from across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sani, Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, said the prayer was borne out of deep concern over the incursion of bandits into Oyo State through Oriire.
“If they enter through Oriire and gain access to the South-West, they will go further down to the South-South and South-East. We must seek the face of Almighty Allah for the speedy and safe release of all abductees, and for this evil to stop permanently,” he said. The Muslim leaders emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous act do not represent Islam.
“Those carrying out these heinous crimes are not Muslims. They are criminals here to endanger the peace and tranquillity of this country,” Siyanbade declared.
Christian youths rally in Ogun
In Abeokuta, Ogun State, youths from different Christian groups came together to organise a peaceful prayer walk for Nigeria, calling for peace, security, unity, and national prosperity.
The event, which took place in Abeokuta, attracted many young people who marched through major streets while praying for the country and carrying placards with messages of hope and encouragement for Nigerians.
The youths said the prayer walk was organised to seek God’s intervention in the challenges facing the nation, especially insecurity, kidnapping, economic hardship, and disunity.
Some participants explained that Nigeria still has a bright future and urged citizens to remain hopeful and continue praying for the country. They also called on government authorities and security agencies to do more to protect lives and ensure the safe return of missing and kidnapped children.
Security agencies urged to probe allegations
A group operating under the banner of the National PDP Consensus for the Survival of Democracy in Nigeria has called for an urgent investigation into comments allegedly made by a former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, regarding recent abductions in Oyo State.
Fayose had alleged that the Oyo State Government may have orchestrated the May 2026 abduction of school children in Oriire LGA to blackmail President Bola Tinubu.
The group’s convener, Mr Ochachangolo Armstrong Adah, told journalists that the former governor’s remarks had raised security concerns that should not be ignored.
Mr Adah argued that any individual perceived to possess information relating to criminal activities should be questioned by law enforcement agencies.
He maintained that the call was not politically motivated but aimed at supporting efforts to tackle insecurity.
The group also urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and ensure those responsible for the kidnappings are brought to justice.
While expressing sympathy with affected families, the organisation commended authorities for ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.
Fayose has yet to respond publicly to the group’s call.