Alaseyori had earlier suggested that spiritual forces might be hindering the operations of security agencies searching for the kidnap victims.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Popular gospel singer Adeyinka Roseline Akinyemi, better known as Yinka Alaseyori, has begged Nigerians for forgiveness following her remarks on the abduction of students and teachers from schools in Oyo State.
She issued the public apology in a video that is currently trending across various social media platforms.
On 15 May 2026, armed bandits invaded a secondary school and two primary schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting seven teachers and several students.
A few hours after the abduction, the gunmen killed one of the teachers and shared a disturbing video of the incident online.
Following the government’s inability to secure the release of the victims, labour unions, parents, and citizens across Nigeria took to the streets in protest.
Discussing the saga during an Instagram Live session on Monday, Yinka Alaseyori defended President Bola Tinubu, the Oyo State government, and the armed forces, insisting that the government and security agencies are doing their best.
ALSO READ: Nigerians slam gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori over defence of Tinubu’s handling of Oyo abduction
She further suggested that spiritual forces might be hindering the operations of security agencies searching for the kidnap victims.
She said: “We need to pray. You can’t say the President and our armed forces are not working; they’re working. They might have sent security agents to the forest and something will just cover their eyes and won’t allow them to see the terrorists—that’s where prayers come in.”
Following her remarks, many Nigerians, including fellow celebrities, expressed frustration, arguing that families affected by kidnappings need practical solutions and swift action rather than spiritual explanations.
Some critics also accused the singer of defending the government at a time when citizens should collectively be demanding accountability.
However, reacting to the backlash, Alaseyori apologised to Nigerians, admitting that her statement might have been somewhat insensitive.
“Good day everyone. I did a video of about one and a half hours two days ago, praying for the kidnapped children, grieving families, government parastatals, the military, the Nigerian land, and everybody in pain. But when I woke up yesterday, I discovered that some well-meaning Nigerians are feeling offended because I made them feel unseen or their voices unheard.
“You know me too well to know that I would never make anybody feel like that. I discovered that the trending video was cut out of the original video I made. Mothers, please don’t be angry with me. I beg you in the name of Jesus Christ, you will never bury your children. I beg you in God’s name, please forgive me if I spoke as if I’m insensitive,” she appealed.
