CAN Urges Governments to Seek Divine Guidance for Rescue of Abducted Pupils

The Oyo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on both the Federal and State governments to prioritize divine wisdom over human expertise in the ongoing efforts to rescue over 40 schoolchildren and their teachers abducted in May.

The Chairman of the association, Reverend Olukayode Ogundiya, made this appeal on Tuesday during a public event in Ibadan. He argued that the persistent security challenges facing the nation, specifically the kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area, require a spiritual dimension to reach a successful resolution.

“Our leaders often rely too heavily on their own expertise,” Ogundiya stated. “I believe that if our politicians and those in authority trust in God and seek His wisdom, the nation would experience positive change. When leaders rely solely on human understanding, we see the results we are currently facing.”

The CAN chairman announced that the association has scheduled a day of special prayer for Saturday, July 11, at the Orita Mefa Baptist Church in Ibadan. The event is intended to bring together church leaders and the Christian community to intercede for the security of Oyo State and specifically petition for the safe release of the captives.

The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when coordinated attacks were carried out across three educational institutions: Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School (Esiele).

While the government continues to work through official security channels, the religious body maintains that prayer and surrendering to divine guidance remain essential tools for overcoming the crisis. The event at the University of Ibadan also featured the presentation of a new book on leadership and wisdom, which speakers used as a platform to highlight the necessity of sound judgment and integrity in public governance.