By Bukola Hameed
Three weeks after the tragic abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area, the Association of Model Islamic Schools (AMIS) and the League of Muslim School Proprietors Worldwide (LEAMSP) held a special prayer session on Friday at the Oyo Central Mosque, Akesan, Oyo, seeking divine intervention for the safe return of the 45 victims still in captivity.
The solemn gathering drew Islamic scholars, school proprietors, parents, community leaders, and concerned residents.
In a powerful demonstration of faith and urgency, the congregation completed a full recitation of the Holy Qur’an to appeal to Allah for immediate aid during this trying period of national insecurity.
The atmosphere at the mosque was heavy with emotion as participants reflected on the devastating May 15 attack, which claimed the life of one teacher and left 45 others in the hands of kidnappers.
Three weeks on, the tragedy continues to inflict severe emotional trauma on families, friends, and colleagues who remain gripped by acute anxiety over the fate of their loved ones.
The Chief Imam of Oyoland, Sheikh Bilal Hussayn Akeugberu, alongside several prominent clerics, led the fervent intercessions, praying specifically for the safe and unharmed release of the captives, the repose of the soul of the slain teacher, comfort for the bereaved families, and divine protection for the security personnel currently engaged in rescue operations.
Beyond the spiritual intercession, the event served as a stark rally cry regarding the worsening security situation in the country. Speakers at the session lamented the escalating vulnerability of educational institutions, warning that persistent attacks on schools pose an existential threat to learning and the future of Nigerian children.
The leadership of both Islamic school organizations joined the clerics in making an urgent appeal to the government and security agencies to significantly intensify their intelligence and rescue efforts, while demanding the immediate implementation of robust security measures around schools nationwide to prevent future occurrences.
While the immediate focus remained on the Oriire abduction, the scope of the prayer session expanded to address Nigeria’s broader systemic crises. The congregation offered extended prayers for peace, stability, and progress across the country, asking for divine intervention to resolve Nigeria’s current security, economic, and social challenges.
In a joint closing statement, the organizers expressed unwavering hope that the abducted teachers and students would soon regain their freedom and be safely reunited with their families, urging all Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer and to support all lawful efforts aimed at securing the victims’ safe return.
Abduction: AMIS, LEAMSP hold special prayer session for safe return of teachers, students
