Women traditional worshippers from across Egbaland on Friday held a spiritual procession in Abeokuta, Ogun State, praying for the safe release of victims abducted in Oyo State.

Dressed in white traditional attire and carrying ritual items, the women moved through major streets and shrines in the Ogun State capital, calling for divine intervention over rising insecurity and kidnappings in the region.

The exercise was led by the Yeye Olokun Agbaye and Olori of Orile-Ilawo Kingdom, Dr. Omolara Fashola-MacGregor, who described the event as a sacred appeal to ancestral spirits and deities for protection over Yorubaland and Nigeria.

The group visited several cultural and spiritual sites, including Olumo Rock, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, the shrine of Egba war hero Sodeke, and the Itoku shrine at Orita Aje Junction.

At each location, prayers and traditional rites were performed in line with Yoruba cultural practices.

Speaking during the procession, Fashola-MacGregor said the initiative was prompted by growing concern over the safety of schoolchildren, teachers, and other Nigerians held captive by kidnappers.

“We are here to appeal to the deities of our forefathers and the spirits of our heroes to intervene in this troubling situation,” she said.

“Our prayers are focused on the safe return of those who have been abducted. We believe that when people unite in faith, sincerity and purpose, divine intervention is possible,” she added.