Gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori has called for prayers over the ongoing efforts to secure the release of students and staff abducted in Oyo State, saying the situation should not be reduced to political blame against President Bola Tinubu or security agencies.
In a video circulating online, she said the federal government and security operatives are already engaged in efforts to rescue the victims, and insisted that spiritual support is also necessary for success.
“So many people are saying the prayers they are praying are not working. But believe me, the prayers are working,” she said.
She warned against what she described as attempts to politicise the abduction, adding that public criticism of leaders in charge of security operations was misplaced.
“Don’t let anybody use you for any political whatever,” she said.
Alaseyori argued that security operations may face unseen challenges in the field, suggesting that rescuers could be hindered by spiritual forces beyond physical capacity.
“You cannot say that the president and vice president are not doing what they are supposed to do. They are working,” she said.
“Even the security personnel can be close to the location to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and be blinded by charms. That is the place of prayer,” she added.
She further urged Nigerians to take collective responsibility through prayer rather than placing the burden on one individual in leadership.
“Don’t let anybody control you. Don’t let anybody use you for anything. But right now, let’s pray for Nigeria. All we have to do is to pray for our country. Every individual needs to pray for these children. We all need prayers. You can’t blame one man that the lord placed in a position,” she said.
The abduction involves about 46 students and staff members from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, who were taken on May 15 by armed men suspected to be terrorists.
During the incident, one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed after the attackers demanded ransom for the release of the captives.
Security agencies have continued operations aimed at locating and rescuing the remaining victims, while families of the abducted students remain in distress as they await updates on their loved ones.
