Concerned over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, scores of women traditional worshippers from across Egbaland on Friday embarked on a spiritual procession through major streets and sacred sites in Abeokuta, Ogun State, praying for the victims’ safe return.
The women, dressed in white traditional worship attire and carrying ritual items, moved through prominent cultural and spiritual landmarks, invoking ancestral spirits and deities to intervene in the worsening security situation and secure the release of the abductees within seven days.
The spiritual exercise was led by the Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Dr. Omolara Fashola-MacGregor, who described the procession as a sacred appeal to revered deities and ancestral spirits for protection over Yorubaland and Nigeria.
As part of the exercise, the worshippers visited notable shrines, including those at Olumo Rock, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, and the shrine of the legendary Egba warrior, Sodeke, before concluding the procession at the Itoku shrine located at Orita Aje Junction in Abeokuta.
Correspondent, James Ogunnaike, Vanguard, reports that prayers were offered and traditional rites performed at each location in accordance with longstanding cultural practices.
Speaking with journalists during the procession, Fashola-MacGregor said the initiative was driven by growing concern for the safety of innocent schoolchildren, teachers, and other Nigerians currently 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 said.
“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 expressed hope that the spiritual exercise would bring comfort to affected families and contribute to efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.
