The Oyo State Government has joined forces with traditional masquerade groups in a spiritual intervention aimed at securing the release of residents recently abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The initiative brought together cultural practitioners, community leaders, and government representatives who gathered to offer prayers and perform traditional rites, appealing for the safe return of the kidnapped victims.
According to the gathering, the collaboration reflects a blend of indigenous spirituality and government-backed efforts to address the worsening insecurity situation, particularly the recurring cases of school and community abductions in parts of Oyo State.
The masquerade groups, regarded as custodians of Yoruba cultural heritage, performed symbolic rituals while calling on ancestral forces to intervene and ensure the victims are rescued unharmed.
Officials present at the event expressed solidarity with the families of the abducted persons and reiterated the government’s commitment to working with security agencies, community stakeholders, and traditional institutions to secure their release.
The development comes amid growing concern in the state following recent mass abductions in schools within Oriire axis, which have triggered widespread prayers, fasting, and other spiritual interventions across religious and cultural groups.
Authorities have continued rescue efforts while urging residents to remain calm and provide useful information that could aid security operations.
