By Amb. Edith Isidahomen
The Women’s Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Oyo State Branch, has called on women across the state to intensify prayers for the safe release of abducted mothers and children in Ogbomoso, describing reports of torture against the victims as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
In a press statement issued on Saturday and signed by the State Chairperson of WOWICAN, Elder (Mrs.) Mercy Danladi, JP, the Christian women’s body expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of the victims, who have reportedly spent nine days in the hands of kidnappers.
Danladi said the situation had brought pain and anxiety to families and communities across Oyo State, especially as disturbing accounts emerged about the treatment being meted out to the abducted children.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep concern that I write to you today,” she said.
“For nine days now, our mothers and children abducted in Ogbomoso have been separated from their families. Reports of the inhuman torture being meted out to the children are deeply disheartening and against every value we hold dear as mothers and as a people.”
The WOWICAN leader urged women in churches, fellowships, and homes throughout the state to unite in fervent prayers, stressing that prayer remained the greatest strength of women in difficult moments.
“As women, our strength is in prayer. I therefore plead with every woman in Oyo State, in all churches, fellowships, and homes, to intensify prayers for the immediate and safe release of the captives,” she stated.
“Let us cry out to God on their behalf, for He will not put us to shame. He is a God who delivers and restores.”
The organisation also commended the Oyo State Government and security agencies for efforts made so far toward rescuing the victims, while urging authorities not to relent until all those abducted are safely reunited with their families.
According to the statement, the government and security operatives must sustain and strengthen ongoing rescue operations to ensure a swift resolution of the crisis.
“We appreciate the Oyo State Government and security agencies for their efforts so far to secure the release of our mothers and children. We urge them to sustain and intensify these efforts until every victim is safely reunited with their loved ones,” the statement added.
The group described the victims as innocent mothers, daughters, and children whose continued suffering had inflicted emotional trauma on families and the wider community.
“We also appeal directly to the captors: these are mothers, daughters, and children. Release them without further harm. No ransom or demand is worth the tears of families or the trauma of innocent children,” Danladi pleaded.
The women’s Christian body concluded the statement with prayers for divine intervention and a speedy end to the ordeal of the victims and their families.
“May God, in His mercy, intervene speedily and bring joy back to the homes in Ogbomoso,” the statement read.
In an emotional closing remark delivered partly in Hausa, Danladi added: “Dan Allah – For God’s sake, let them go.”
The kidnapping has continued to generate concern among residents and religious groups in Oyo State, with many calling for intensified security measures to address rising cases of abduction and insecurity in parts of the state.
