Gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori has issued an apology to Nigerians who were offended by her remarks regarding the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. According to reports, the singer posted a video on her Facebook page on Monday showing an organized prayer session held in support of the abducted individuals. In the video, she urged Nigerians to channel their energy into prayer rather than venting frustration at President Bola Tinubu over the country's persistent security challenges. She emphasized that prayer remains a powerful force and challenged the growing notion that it has lost its effectiveness in addressing the nation's problems.
Call for Prayer
In the video, Alaseyori stated, "Prayers are working. Don't let anybody tell you prayers are not working. From the president to the last person in this country, we need to pray. Every parastatal, every sector, we all need prayers." She added, "You can't say the president or vice president is not working. The security personnel might have gone to rescue them, and a charm could have covered their face so they would not see anything. That is the place of prayer."
Public Backlash
The singer's call for prayers and her remarks that the government was taking action sparked widespread backlash and criticism. Many Nigerians expressed frustration, arguing that tackling insecurity requires decisive government action rather than religious appeals. Some accused her of shielding the Tinubu-led government at a time when citizens are demanding accountability.
Apology and Clarification
In response to the backlash, Alaseyori posted another video on her Instagram on Wednesday, clarifying that people had misunderstood her. She expressed regret over the reaction and stated it was never her intention to make anyone feel ignored or dismissed. The "Arojinle" singer said, "Two days ago, I made a video of about one hour and thirteen minutes in which I prayed for the kidnapped children, grieving families, government officials, the military, the land of Nigeria, and everybody in pain as a whole. But when I woke up yesterday, I discovered that some well-meaning Nigerians felt offended because I made them feel unseen or their voices unheard."
She continued, "You know me too well to think I would ever make anybody feel that way. I also discovered that the video had been cut from the original, which was one hour and thirteen minutes long. Mothers, please don't be upset with me. I beg you in the name of Jesus, you will not bury your children, you will not fast in sorrow. I beg you in God's name, please forgive me if I ever made you feel offended, unseen, or if I spoke insensitively." The singer also offered a prayer that all mothers would reap the rewards of their hard work.
Background of the Kidnapping
Earlier reports indicated that gunmen kidnapped 32 people from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; Primary School, Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The attackers beheaded one of the victims, a mathematics teacher named Michael Oyedokun. Entertainers, including actors and musicians such as Toyin Abraham, Kunle Remi, Olumide "ID Cabasa" Ogunade, and David "Davido" Adeleke, took to social media to demand the immediate release of the victims. They spoke out against the deteriorating security situation under President Tinubu's administration and expressed grief over how desensitized Nigerians have become to the rising wave of violence. They also called for divine intervention and prayed for the safe return of the captives.
