The Oyo State Government has participated in a special prayer session organised by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group, seeking the safe release of victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The prayer event, held at the Labala Shrine in the Labo area of Ibadan, was approved by the President of the Labala Masquerades Group Worldwide, Chief Ojeyemi Ajayi, popularly known as Idunnu Ifa.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the gathering was aimed at offering traditional prayers and sacrifices for the safe return of the abductees and the restoration of peace and security across the state under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Representing the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism at the event, the General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Kunle Agboola, praised the group's compassion, patriotism, and concern for the victims and the state.

Agboola noted that while several groups and individuals had organised prayer sessions since the abduction occurred, the initiative by the Ibadan Labala Masquerades Group stood out because it reflected a strong partnership between the government and traditional institutions in addressing societal challenges.

He expressed confidence that the prayers and sacrifices offered would yield positive results and lead to the safe reunion of the abductees with their families.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Oosakola Oladejo, disclosed that a special sacrifice had earlier been performed privately for the victims. He explained that the prayer walk organised across selected parts of Ibadan was intended to seek divine intervention for their safety, avert tragedy, and pray for an end to kidnapping and insecurity in Oyo State and Nigeria.

Several spiritual leaders of the Labala Masquerades Group also participated in the prayers, including the Otun Balogun Baale Labala of Ibadan and Oyo State, Chief Ojediran Olalekan.

Following the prayer session at the shrine, participants, led by the Labala masquerades, embarked on a prayer walk through Labo, Oranyan, Wesley College, Oba Asanke Street, Idi-Aro Junction, and back to the shrine.

The prayer exercise comes in response to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers during an attack on three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. The victims remain in captivity, while state and federal authorities, alongside security agencies, continue efforts to secure their safe release.