Christian leaders call on the Federal and Oyo State governments to seek divine wisdom as efforts continue to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, Rev. Olukayode Ogundiya, has urged the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to seek God’s wisdom as efforts continue to secure the release of more than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

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Ogundiya made the appeal on Tuesday while speaking on the sidelines of the launch of The Proverbial Seven Pillars of Wisdom by Guru Wisehart at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, where he stressed the importance of divine guidance in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

The cleric said CAN would hold a special day of prayer on Saturday, July 11, 2026, to seek divine intervention for the safe return of those still in captivity.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Ogundiya said political leaders should rely less on human ability and place greater trust in God’s wisdom when confronting the country’s complex challenges.

“Wisdom is a thing that every individual, no matter how wise you may think you are, needs on a daily and even moment basis. So, we need more people of wisdom in the affairs of our nation, and it is not just ordinary wisdom but the wisdom of God.

You must have the fear of God and do things in the way of the Lord,” he said.

The Oyo CAN chairman maintained that effective leadership required humility and dependence on divine direction.

“If only our politicians and our leaders can trust God, I believe this nation will change for the better. But most of the time, we see that they trust their expertise. They trust in their own wisdom, and the Bible says nobody should trust in his or her own wisdom.

“So, what we have at hand is the weapon that we should use, and that’s prayer, waiting and trusting God that He will give us breakthrough. Anything else is just human understanding,” Ogundiya added.

He expressed optimism that the abducted pupils and teachers would regain their freedom, saying Christians across the state would continue to pray for their safe return.

“We have a programme on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Orita Mefa Baptist Church here in Ibadan where Church leaders and Christians will gather from 6 a.m. till 6 p.m. with eminent Church leaders to call upon the name of the Lord, and I believe that the Lord is on our side, and He will prove Himself that He is indeed the living God.

“The programme is for the security of Oyo and the nation at large, and in particular for the release of those Oyo abducted children and their teachers. We are going to praise God in anticipation of what the Lord is about to do,” he said.

The appeal came during the public presentation of The Proverbial Seven Pillars of Wisdom by Guru Wisehart, a book authored by Dr Felix El-Schaeddhaei after two decades of research.

Reviewing the book, columnist and public affairs analyst Dr Festus Adedayo narrated a traditional folktale to illustrate the value of wisdom, concluding that true success often comes from focus and discernment rather than physical strength or outward confidence.

El-Schaeddhaei said the publication was the product of 20 years of work and explored seven enduring virtues, including self-awareness, critical thinking, creativity, compassion, resilience, sound judgment, and responsible use of power.

The Oyo CAN Abducted Schoolchildren appeal comes as concern continues to mount over insecurity affecting schools in parts of Nigeria.

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The abduction in Oriire Local Government Area renewed calls for stronger security around educational institutions, while religious and community leaders have continued to urge authorities to intensify rescue efforts and provide greater protection for pupils and teachers.