Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has declared that God revealed to him that the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State will be released in a dramatic fashion. The statement was made during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organized by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Background of the Abduction
Gunmen kidnapped 32 individuals from Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community High School in Ahoro-Esiele, and Primary School in Esiele, all located in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident occurred on May 15, 2026. Among the victims was a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was killed by the abductors while in captivity, as reported by Premium Times.
Adeboye’s Revelation and Prayer
In a viral video from the gala, Adeboye recounted how he sought God’s direction immediately after the abduction. He said, “Some people then began to speak, challenging those of us who said we had been praying. They said, ‘You are fasting, you are praying, where is your God?’ So I went to the Lord in prayer, in deep agony. I said, ‘Father, you have heard them. They said, ‘Where is our God?’ And then God spoke to me. He told me that the release of the children is going to be dramatic.”
Adeboye added that God promised to respond concerning the plan for the release of the abducted children and teachers, and also spoke on several other matters concerning the nation.
Public Reactions and Criticism
The report has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians. Many expressed concerns over government inaction and highlighted other kidnapping cases across the country.
Sir Henro lamented the government's failure, stating, “We listen; we don't judge. The government has failed; it should be said plain and plain. When citizens are kidnapped in other countries, the government acts and does not wait for manners from heaven.”
M. C Ugwummadu Esq questioned the focus on the Oyo children, asking, “What about the other hundreds of children kidnapped by these same terrorists? Are these Oyo schools children more precious than the Borno state children that were kidnapped while going to write NECO? Is this another sign of 'we' against 'them' rhetoric? Can Adeboye relax, please?”
Dazzler criticized the cleric, saying, “You see why I can't blame Soludo for going after pastors; the damage they have done to God's name is enormous, indeed God is merciful.”
Nad questioned the specificity of the prophecy: “Of course, every rescue is always dramatic. No date, time or anything specific?”
Broader Context of Insecurity
The abduction is part of a spate of kidnapping incidents in Nigeria, particularly targeting schools. In Borno State, children were kidnapped while traveling to write the NECO exams, highlighting the ongoing security challenges. Adeboye’s statements have sparked debate on the role of faith amidst rising abduction incidents in the country.
Adeboye on Trump and Nigeria-US Relations
During the same event, Adeboye praised US President Donald Trump, describing him as “the best politician I have ever met,” and noted his consistency in keeping promises. He also urged President Bola Tinubu to strengthen Nigeria-US ties by assuring Trump of Nigeria’s commitment to counter-terrorism.
