Prayer for release of captives of Oriire abduction dominates Eid al-Adha 2026 festival at Ogbomoso old Eid (PHOTOS)

Image caption: Imam Habeeb Ayilara leads the congregation in prayer

Prayer for release of captives of Oriire abduction dominates Eid al-Adha 2026 festival at Ogbomoso old Eid (PHOTOS)

Abdulrasak BELLO

Prayers for the safe release of the teachers and students/pupils abducted in Oriire local government area of Ogbomoso Oyo state on May 15, featured prominently in the 2026 Eid al-Kabir prayer at the old Eid prayer ground opposite LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso and at the Palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III.

In his Sallah sermon, Imam of the Soun Palace, who led the prayers, Habeeb Ayilara, emphasized on the release of the kidnap victims urging the congregation not to relent in praying for them.

Imam Ayilara charged the Ummah against harbouring suspected evil people, “Let’s always be vigilant.”

He harped on generous giving, stressing, “A true Muslim is identified by his disposition to giving and in helping others.”

Ayilara who translated part of his sermon in Hausa language implored Muslims to be devoted to teaching their children and wards good characters and in the way of Allah just as he charged government to beef up security across the land.

The Pakoyi of Ogbomosoland, Alhaji Alimi Surajudeen, while speaking with newsmen, extended warm greetings to Governor Seyi Makinde and elected office holders in Ogbomoso, while expressing sadness over the killing and abduction in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota.

Alhaji Surajudeen prayed God would intervene to effect their release unharmed.

The Areago of Ogbomosoland High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin who spoke on behalf of Oba Ghandi congratulated Muslims on the Sallah celebration while praying against calamity just as he prayed for the release of the banditry victims.

The chaplain of the Soun Palace Rev’d Samuel Owoade also told journalists, “God will answer our prayer in the spirit of the Eid al-Adha Festival.”

Rev’d Owoade added, “God will intervene in our land. The kidnap of our brethren is sad. We sympathize with the families affected. God will bring them back safely, they will be released. Government too has been intensifying efforts to secure their safety. It will become a testimony for us. We will rejoice very soon in the land. God will fight for us. Let’s use this festival to pray for the land.”

See faces at the occasion