Scores of female traditional worshippers from across Egbaland, Ogun State, on Friday embarked on a spiritual procession to seek divine intervention for the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The worshippers, dressed in white ceremonial attire and carrying traditional ritual items, moved through major streets and sacred sites in Abeokuta, offering prayers and performing rites aimed at securing the freedom of the victims and addressing the growing insecurity in the region.
The exercise was led by the Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Dr Omolara Fashola-MacGregor, who described the event as a sacred appeal to ancestral spirits and revered deities for protection over Yorubaland and the country.
During the procession, the women visited notable cultural and spiritual landmarks, including shrines at Olumo Rock, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala and the shrine of the legendary Egba warrior, Sodeke.
The exercise ended at the Itoku shrine in Abeokuta, where participants offered final prayers.
Speaking with journalists, Fashola-MacGregor said the initiative was motivated by concerns over the continued captivity of innocent schoolchildren, teachers and other victims of kidnapping across the country.
She expressed confidence that collective prayers and sincere appeals to spiritual forces could contribute to the safe return of those being held by abductors.
According to her, the worsening security situation requires a united response involving government authorities, security agencies, religious bodies and traditional institutions.
She noted that traditional rulers and cultural institutions have a vital role to play in promoting peace, justice and social stability within their communities.
Fashola-MacGregor also called for renewed efforts to address the security challenges confronting many parts of the country, stressing that families affected by abductions continue to endure fear and uncertainty.
Special prayers were offered for President Bola Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and other traditional rulers across Yorubaland.
The procession attracted residents and traders who gathered along the routes to watch the participants chant traditional songs and perform rituals at designated spiritual centres.
The worshippers expressed hope that their prayers would complement ongoing efforts by security agencies and help facilitate the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
They also called for greater unity among Nigerians and a collective commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes threatening lives and livelihoods across the country.