JUMAT: Let Our Prayers Ascend for Safe Return of Oriire Pupils, Teachers — Aborisade
…Says Ahoro-Esiẹ̀le Pupils, Teachers Must Not Be Forgotten
…Urges Federal, Oyo Governments to Stop Playing Politics with Human Lives
Oyo State 2027 gubernatorial hopeful, Barrister Chief Niyi Aborisade, has felicitated Muslims across Oyo State and Nigeria on today’s Jumat, urging them to dedicate a special portion of their prayers to the safe return of the pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Ahoro-Esiẹ̀le, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.
Aborisade, in a solemn and emotionally charged Jumat message, said the tragedy has continued to weigh heavily on the conscience of every compassionate Nigerian, describing the continued captivity of the innocent children and their teachers as heartbreaking, painful and unacceptable.
According to him, while Muslims gather in mosques today seeking Allah’s mercy, blessings and forgiveness, there is no better time to remember families whose lives have been turned upside down by the cruel actions of criminals.
“The significance of Jumat goes beyond personal prayers and individual needs. It is a day when believers collectively seek Allah’s intervention in matters affecting society. Today, I call on every Muslim to remember the children and teachers of Ahoro-Esiẹ̀le in their prayers.”
“Let us ask Allah to protect them wherever they are. Let us pray for their freedom. Let us pray that they return safely to their families. Let us pray that Allah comforts their parents and strengthens their loved ones.”
Aborisade lamented that more than weeks after the unfortunate incident, many families continue to live in uncertainty, with parents unsure of the condition of their children and teachers.
He said every passing day in captivity increases the emotional burden on the victims and their families.
“Behind every abducted child is a mother who cannot sleep. Behind every missing teacher is a family living in fear. Behind every day of silence is another day of tears, anxiety and emotional torture.”
“It is difficult to imagine the pain of parents who do not know where their children are. It is difficult to understand the fear in the hearts of families waiting endlessly for good news. This is not merely a security issue; it is a humanitarian crisis.”
The legal practitioner and public affairs commentator called on both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts toward securing the immediate release of the victims.
He stressed that the protection of lives remains the foremost responsibility of government and should never be subjected to political considerations.
“The lives of these innocent children and their teachers must never be politicised. Human lives are too precious to become subjects of political arguments, propaganda or blame games.”
“This is not the time to exchange accusations. This is not the time to calculate political gains. This is the time for decisive action. This is the time for leadership. This is the time for government to demonstrate that every Nigerian life truly matters.”
Aborisade urged security agencies to deploy every available intelligence and operational resource necessary to secure the release of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
According to him, the continued captivity of schoolchildren sends a dangerous signal to parents and communities and threatens public confidence in the safety of educational institutions.
“Our children should be carrying books, not burdens. They should be preparing for examinations, not struggling to survive in captivity. Their classrooms should be places of learning and hope, not memories of fear and tragedy.”
He further appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations and civil society organisations to keep the issue alive until the victims regain their freedom.
“We must not allow public attention to shift away from these children. We must not allow their names to disappear from our conversations. We must not allow their suffering to become another forgotten chapter.”
“As a people, we must continue to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. We must continue to demand action. We must continue to pray until they are safely reunited with their families.”
Aborisade said the abducted children represent the hopes and aspirations of countless families and communities, adding that every child rescued would represent a victory for humanity over criminality.
He concluded by offering prayers for the victims and their families.
“On this blessed Jumat, may Allah hear the cries of grieving parents. May He protect our children and their teachers from harm. May He frustrate the plans of their captors. May He grant wisdom, courage and success to those working for their rescue.”
“May the tears of the parents be turned into joy. May the anguish of the families become celebrations. May the children and teachers return home safely and unharmed.”
Bring Back Our Children.
Bring Back Their Teachers.
Their Lives Matter. Their Dreams Matter. Their Future Matters.
Government Must Act. Nigeria Must Not Look Away.