The Primate of the United African Methodist Church (UAMC) Worldwide, Dr Joseph Ojaoba, has expressed confidence that the abducted teachers and students from Ogbomoso,  Oyo State, will soon regain freedom.

Ojaoba spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday, on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Lagos Diocese of the UAMC and the enthronement of its Archbishop, Most Rev. Moses Toyi.

The primate said the church had consistently prayed for the victims since the news of the abduction broke.

He added that the church would continue interceding until their safe return.

He said: “The message to Nigerians is that we should trust in God that, by His grace, these children will return safely to their parents.

“Ever since this incident happened, the United African Methodist Church has been praying during our daily morning prayers and  vigils.

“By the special grace of Almighty God, these children and their teachers who were kidnapped will return safely to their parents and families in the name of Jesus Christ.”

The cleric also urged governments to intensify efforts at tackling insecurity across the country.

“The Bible says we should pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and those who love her will prosper.”

“As a church, we pray daily for leaders of this country that they should put more efforts into addressing insecurity.

“We believe the military is trying its best. The governors are trying, and even our President is trying his best.

“We will continue praying for him and believe that the Lord will strengthen him and see him through.”

On the 2027 general election, Ojaoba urged politicians to embrace peace and put national interest above personal ambitions.

“We are praying for politicians because we have members of different political parties in our church.

“Our responsibility is to pray for them and remain non-partisan in everything we do as a church.

“We believe there will be peace during the 2027 elections, and the person God has ordained will emerge.

“By God’s grace, we shall all witness it, and we will continue praying for our nation,” he said.

NAN reports that the 46 schoolchildren and teachers were abducted in Ogbomoso on May 15.

Armed terrorists executed a coordinated, simultaneous abduction across three schools (Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and LA Primary School, Esiele) in Oriire Local Government Area.

Primate of United African Methodist Church Worldwide, Dr Joseph Ojaoba