The Shepherd-in-Charge of the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church, Oke-Iye Living Chapel, Ile-Ife, and Convener of the Ile-Ife Interfaith Prayer for Peace and Progress, Most Senior Superintendent Apostle Bankole Omisope Banmosun, has expressed profound gratitude to God following the safe release of the abducted Oyo pupils and teachers, describing the development as a source of relief and renewed hope for the nation.
Banmosun, who led the three-day Interfaith Prayer for Peace and Progress held under the gracious authority of the Arole Oduduwa, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, said the rescued children and teachers remained at the forefront of the prayers offered during the gathering at the Ooni’s Palace Square, Enuwa, Ile-Ife.
“Throughout the interfaith prayer programme, we remembered all victims of insecurity across Nigeria, especially the abducted Oyo pupils and their teachers. Today, we give thanks to God that they have safely returned to their families. This is indeed a moment of relief for the nation,” he said.
According to him, the interfaith gathering brought together adherents of different faiths with a common commitment to seek divine intervention for peace, security and national healing. While prayers were offered for victims of insecurity across Nigeria, he noted that special supplications were made for the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers, as well as for comfort for affected families.
Reacting to the news of their freedom, the cleric said the development has strengthened the faith of participants in the power of united prayers and reaffirmed the need for Nigerians to continue seeking God’s guidance while supporting efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace across the country.
“While we rejoice with the rescued children, their teachers and their families, this development should also remind us that peace and security require sustained commitment from both government and citizens. We must continue to pray for our nation and support every genuine effort to make Nigeria safer for everyone,” Banmosun added.
Apostle Banmosun commended security agencies and all those whose efforts contributed to the successful rescue, while extending heartfelt congratulations to the reunited families. He stressed that beyond securing their release, deliberate attention should now be given to the victims’ emotional recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration after their traumatic experience.
“The government should prioritise the rehabilitation of these children and teachers so they can recover from the emotional and psychological effects of their ordeal. Their safe return is only the beginning of the healing process,” he said.
He also called on governments at all levels to intensify proactive security measures to better protect schools, communities and vulnerable citizens, noting that the safety of children must remain a national priority.
Reaffirming the vision of the Ile-Ife Interfaith Prayer for Peace and Progress, Banmosun said the initiative will continue to unite people of different religious backgrounds in prayers for the peace, progress and prosperity of Ile-Ife, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
“Our commitment remains unchanged. We will continue to bring people of different faiths together to pray for the peace of Ile-Ife, Yorubaland and Nigeria, believing that unity, faith and responsible leadership are essential to building a more secure and prosperous nation,” he concluded.
