Oyo Abduction: Egbaland Women Traditionalists Visit Sacred Shrines, Pray for Release of Captive Schoolchildren

Scores of women traditional worshippers from across Egbaland on Friday embarked on a spiritual march across Abeokuta, Ogun State, seeking divine intervention for the release of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped from Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The women, dressed in white traditional garments and carrying ritual objects, visited several sacred sites and cultural landmarks, offering prayers and performing rites aimed at securing the victims’ freedom and addressing growing insecurity in the region.

Leading the exercise, Dr. Omolara Fashola-MacGregor, Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, described the procession as an act of spiritual supplication and appeasement to ancestral spirits and revered deities.

The group stopped at important shrines, including those at Olumo Rock, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala and the shrine of Egba war hero Sodeke, before concluding at the Itoku shrine in Abeokuta.

Addressing journalists, Fashola-MacGregor said the prayers were motivated by concern for abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other Nigerians being held by kidnappers.

“We are here to appeal to the deities of our forefathers and the spirits of our heroes to intervene in this troubling situation,” she stated.

“Our prayers are focused on the safe return of those who have been abducted. We believe that when people unite in faith, sincerity and purpose, divine intervention is possible.”

She said the rising wave of insecurity requires collaboration among government authorities, security agencies, religious groups and traditional institutions.

Fashola-MacGregor maintained that traditional institutions continue to play a vital role in fostering peace, justice and communal harmony.

“Our ancestors protected these lands and stood firmly for justice. We are invoking their blessings and protection at a time when many families are experiencing pain, fear and uncertainty.”

The monarch also offered prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and other traditional rulers across Yorubaland, including her husband, Oba Alexander Olusegun MacGregor.

Residents and traders gathered along the procession route as the women sang traditional songs and carried out rituals at designated spiritual centres.

The traditionalists urged ancestral heroes and protective deities to intervene in Nigeria’s security crisis, particularly in cases involving kidnapped citizens and their families.

Expressing hope that their prayers would support ongoing efforts by security agencies, the women said they were optimistic the victims would regain their freedom safely.

The event ended with collective prayers at the Itoku shrine for peace, protection and the eradication of kidnapping and violent crimes, alongside a renewed call for unity in confronting the country’s security challenges.

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