As anxiety continues to grow over the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Oyo State, gospel singer Adeyinka Alaseyori has appealed to Nigerians to intensify prayers for the safe return of the victims, insisting that spiritual support is needed alongside ongoing security efforts.
The gospel minister spoke amid continued rescue operations following the kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area, which has triggered widespread concern across the country and renewed conversations about insecurity and the safety of students.
While many Nigerians have expressed frustration over the rising wave of kidnappings and violent attacks, Alaseyori urged the public not to dismiss the efforts being made by the government and security agencies.
According to her, authorities are actively working to secure the release of those still being held captive.
“We need to pray. You can’t say the President and our armed forces are not working, they’re working,“ she said.
Her comments come at a time when pressure is mounting on government officials to address growing security concerns, particularly in parts of the country where schools and rural communities have increasingly become targets for criminal groups.
For Alaseyori, however, security operations alone may not be enough.
The singer argued that prayer remains an important tool in difficult situations, especially when human efforts encounter unexpected obstacles.
She suggested that spiritual intervention could help security personnel locate and rescue victims.
“They might have sent security agents to the forest and something will just cover their eyes and won’t allow them see the terrorist, that’s where prayers come in,“ she added.
The statement reflects a view commonly held by many religious leaders and believers who see prayer as a complementary response to national challenges rather than a replacement for practical action.
Throughout Nigeria’s history, faith leaders have often called for prayer during periods of crisis and encouraged authorities to fulfil their responsibilities.
Alaseyori’s remarks arrive amid ongoing efforts by the Oyo State Government and security agencies to secure the release of the kidnapped pupils and teachers.
The incident has generated emotional reactions from parents, educators, and public figures, many of whom have demanded urgent action to ensure the victims return home safely.
The kidnapping has also reignited broader concerns about the vulnerability of schools and rural communities to criminal attacks. This challenge has persisted in different parts of Nigeria over the past several years.
As rescue efforts continue, the gospel singer said her focus remains on the well-being of the victims and their families.
She encouraged Nigerians across religious and social divides to unite in prayer and support for those affected by the tragedy.
Her appeal adds to a growing chorus of voices from entertainers, activists, religious leaders, and concerned citizens who have spoken out following the incident.
While opinions differ on the best approach to tackling insecurity, there is broad agreement on one point: the safe return of the abducted children and teachers remains the immediate priority.
For Alaseyori, that objective requires both on-the-ground action and faith in divine intervention.
As families await positive news, many Nigerians continue to hope that ongoing rescue efforts will soon bring an end to the ordeal and reunite the victims with their loved ones.
