Speaking during a prophetic session shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, June 7, 2026, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has expressed concern over the abduction of children and teachers in Oyo State, urging authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release while criticising what he described as an inadequate response to the security situation.
Speaking on the plight of the abducted victims, the cleric stressed the need for urgent intervention to ensure their safe return. “So, they must do everything to release them on time. The Governor is not active. As a governor, what does it take the governor and the whole police, the whole army to face that forest? Does it cost him anything?” he asked.
The cleric also directed criticism at Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, warning that the handling of security challenges could have political consequences in the future. “All this that he is talking, Seyi this will end your political career. You don’t understand. You know that nonsense talk. It’s nonsense,” Ayodele said.
He called on security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to launch coordinated operations in areas believed to be serving as hideouts for criminal groups. “Lead police, DSS, let them go into that bush,” he stated.
Ayodele also broadened his comments to security concerns in Lagos State, advocating the installation of surveillance infrastructure and the clearing of forested areas that could be used as safe havens by criminals.
“Lagos state, we need CCTV. In Lagos state, CCTV. Bring all bushes down. Where will they enter that they will not catch them? These children are there. Put tractors there. Let them bring down the bush,” he said.
The religious leader further warned against the payment of ransom to kidnappers, arguing that such actions could worsen the country’s security challenges in the long term. “Paying ransom is like you mortgage Nigeria’s security for life. And Southwest will pay for it,” he stated.
According to Ayodele, state governments in the South-West region should prioritise collaborative security discussions and strategies aimed at addressing the growing threat of kidnapping and violent crime.
“Southwest government is supposed to go for security meeting. They are not. They are interested in your campaign. Will they win when there is nobody to vote them? They won’t win,” he said.