…Rally Support for Security Rescue Efforts
Christian leaders and aides of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Thursday held a special intercessory prayer session for the safe release of the pupils, teachers and other victims abducted by suspected kidnappers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
They also used the occasion of the event which held at the Oyo State Government House Chapel, to rally support for ongoing security efforts aimed at securing their rescue and safe return to their various families.
In his welcome address and charge, the Conevener, the Executive Assistant on Administration and Human Resources to Governor Seyi Makinde, Reverend Idowu Ogedengbe, cited several Bible passages on victory and divine deliverance in such times described as precarious and delicate.
He said the gathering was convened to seek God’s divine intervention as a support for the government and security forces, and to demonstrate spiritual backing for the ongoing rescue efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted students and teachers.
The special prayer session, which brought together members of the Christian community, fathers of faith and top government officials in Ibadan, was convened amid growing concerns over the fate of the abducted victims and the worsening security challenges confronting parts of the country.
Ogedengbe urged residents to remain hopeful and continue supporting security agencies in their efforts to secure the release of the victims.
Ogedengbe, who coordinated the prayer session, while addressing newsmen, said the intercession reflected the commitment of the Christian community to stand with affected families and support initiatives aimed at restoring peace and security in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Oyo State, Rev. Samson Ajetomobi, said the meeting was organised to seek divine intervention in the rescue of the kidnapped children and teachers, stressing that human lives must never be reduced to political debates.
According to him, prayer remains a powerful weapon for Christians in confronting difficult situations, noting that the gathering was informed by the need to stand in the gap for the victims and their families.
“The concern for today’s meeting is strategically towards the kidnapped children and teachers. Oyo State has enjoyed relative peace over the years and this development is not something we are accustomed to.
“Whichever way anyone looks at it, it is the children and teachers who know the pain of captivity. We must not politicise human lives. We must value lives and unite in seeking God’s intervention for their safe rescue,” he said.
Addressing concerns that religious leaders have remained largely silent in the face of Nigeria’s growing insecurity, Adetomobi insisted that faith leaders across the country have been actively engaging government officials behind the scenes while also offering spiritual support.
He maintained that many interventions by religious leaders do not receive media attention because the focus remains on solving problems rather than seeking publicity.
“No genuine father of faith can be comfortable with the state of the nation. The truth is being spoken to those in authority.
“We are all affected by the same insecurity and challenges. The fathers of faith are not indifferent. We are offering counsel, praying and engaging government at different levels to ensure the safety of our people,” he stated.
Also addressing journalists, the Chairman of Oyo state chapter, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Ogundiya Elisha, noted that beyond prayers, Christian leaders have continued to provide moral support to affected families through visits, counselling and encouragement since news of the abduction broke.
He disclosed that delegations of CAN, had visited some of the affected communities and parents of the victims to offer prayers and emotional support while reassuring them that they were not alone in the ordeal.
The prayer session comes amid intensified rescue efforts by security agencies following the abduction of pupils, teachers and other residents in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has generated widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond.
While expressing confidence in ongoing rescue operations, the religious leaders appealed to residents to avoid spreading unverified information capable of undermining security efforts, urging citizens instead to cooperate with authorities and continue praying for the safe return of all victims.
They further called for national unity in addressing insecurity, insisting that the challenge requires collective action involving government, security agencies, religious institutions and citizens alike
Former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State and retired Colonel, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, expressed confidence in the efficacy of prayer, drawing parallels with biblical accounts where divine intervention delivered people from seemingly impossible situations.
He cited the example of King Jehoshaphat in the Book of 2 Chronicles, where collective prayer and worship led to victory over enemies, expressing optimism that God would intervene in the current situation.
“There is nothing prayer cannot do. We believe that when God’s people come together in faith and call upon Him, He hears and responds. We are trusting God for the safe release of these children and their teachers,” he said.
Drawing from his military background, Akinyemiju described the abduction as a highly delicate security challenge requiring careful handling to avoid casualties among the hostages.
According to him, the use of overwhelming force may endanger the lives of those being held captive, making the operation more complicated than conventional military engagements.
“It is a very difficult situation. Military action must be carefully calibrated because the safety of the children and teachers remains paramount. We must pray that God grants wisdom to the security agencies and government officials handling the rescue mission,” he said.
The retired military officer also called for greater collaboration and intelligence-sharing, suggesting that the Federal Government could explore international partnerships and advanced technologies where necessary to strengthen rescue operations.
He acknowledged the sacrifices being made by security personnel across the country and urged them to remain patriotic and committed despite the enormous challenges confronting them.
Also speaking at the special intercessory prayer session, Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, said the gathering was convened to seek divine intervention and support ongoing efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Akinwole said the event brought together government officials, religious leaders, schoolchildren and other stakeholders who believe in the power of prayer and collective action in times of crisis.
According to him, residents of the state remain resolute despite the security challenge, stressing that criminal elements would not be allowed to destabilise the peace Oyo State has enjoyed over the years.
He described the incident as unfortunate and unprecedented in the state’s recent history, noting that Oyo had remained largely peaceful under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
He expressed concern over attempts by some individuals to politicise the security situation, insisting that the government and security agencies have continued to work tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the victims.
The commission chairman disclosed that security agencies had made significant progress in their investigations, with some collaborators reportedly arrested. He added that authorities were intensifying efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice while prioritising the safety of those still in captivity.
Akinwole appealed to the parents and families of the abducted victims to remain patient and hopeful, acknowledging the pain and anxiety they were experiencing. He noted that rescue operations involving kidnap victims are often delicate and require intelligence-driven strategies to avoid jeopardising lives.
“As a parent myself, I understand the agony they are going through. The process may be difficult and technical, but we must allow security agencies the time and space required to carry out their operations successfully. We are optimistic that by the grace of God, these victims will return safely and we shall all gather again to offer thanksgiving,” he said.