Traditionalists Seek Divine Intervention Over Oyo School Abduction

Traditional worshippers in Oyo State have resorted to spiritual intervention as concern deepens over the abduction of scores of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

A viral video circulating on Tuesday showed a traditional priest, identified as the Onisa of Esin Ele, Muraina Mutairo, leading rituals and invoking deities to aid the rescue of the victims and expose their abductors.

In the footage shared online, the priest, clad in traditional regalia, was seen chanting incantations in Yoruba language while calling on ancestral forces to protect the children and frustrate those behind the attack.

Mutairo prayed for the safe return of the abducted students and teachers, urging spiritual powers to “defeat the enemies” and bring the victims home unharmed.

The ritual session also featured a traditional ruler who joined in offering prayers for the victims’ release. Both men reportedly prayed that confusion would break out among the kidnappers and that security operatives would apprehend the suspects, dead or alive.

The incident has continued to spark outrage across the state following last Friday’s attack on three schools in the council area.

Gunmen had stormed the community on May 16, invading Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, as well as L.A. Primary School, where they abducted about 30 pupils, students and teachers.

Two persons were reportedly killed during the attack, which has heightened fears over insecurity in parts of the state.

Security agencies are yet to announce any breakthrough regarding the whereabouts of the victims, while anxious residents continue to demand urgent action to secure their release.