Yinka Alaseyori Apologises for Comments on Oyo Kidnapping

Gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori has said sorry to Nigerians who were upset by her comments about the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

On Monday, she shared a video on her Facebook page showing a prayer session held for the kidnapped pupils and teachers.

In the video, Alaseyori asked Nigerians to focus on praying instead of blaming President Bola Tinubu for the country's ongoing security issues. She insisted that prayer is powerful and challenged the idea that it is no longer effective in solving problems.

“Prayers are Effective”

“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.

“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,” she said in the video.

Reaction to Her Remarks

But many Nigerians did not agree with her call for prayers. They felt her comments were out of touch and said that the government needs to take real action against insecurity, not just ask for prayers.

Some accused her of defending the Tinubu-led government at a time when many citizens are demanding accountability.

“I’m Sorry”

In response to the backlash, Alaseyori posted another video on her Instagram on Wednesday. She said people misunderstood her.

She expressed sorrow over the negative reaction and said she never meant to make anyone feel ignored or dismissed. The singer, known for her song “Arojinle,” 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.

“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 prayed that all mothers would see the fruits of their hard work.

Background

This newspaper reported 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.

One of the victims, a mathematics teacher named Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the gunmen.

Also, entertainers have taken to their social media to call for the immediate release of the victims. They have spoken against the worsening security situation under Mr Tinubu’s government.

Prominent figures like Toyin Abraham, Kunle Remi, Olumide “ID Cabasa” Ogunade, and David “Davido” Adeleke expressed sadness over how numb Nigerians have become to the rising violence.

They raised concerns about where and who is still safe under Mr Tinubu’s administration. They also called for divine help and prayed for the safe return of the captives to their families.