RCCG celebrates release of kidnapped pupils, says God fulfilled His promise

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has expressed gratitude to God following the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oyo State, describing their freedom as a fulfilment of divine promise and an answer to prayers.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Saturday, the church celebrated the development, saying God had fulfilled His word concerning the captives.

“And our God arose like He promised! Let somebody shout Hallelujah!! Glory be to our God for answering our prayers and fulfilling His word,” the church said.

RCCG also commended the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies for securing the victims’ release after weeks in captivity.

“We appreciate the efforts of all the security agencies in securing the release of our school children and their teachers from captivity. Congratulations to each of them and their families. Our God answers prayers. Hallelujah!!!” the statement added.

The release comes weeks after the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, publicly declared that God had assured him the abducted pupils and teachers would regain their freedom in a “dramatic” manner.

Speaking during a church programme in June, Adeboye said he sought God’s face after the abduction sparked widespread concern and criticism over the fate of the victims.

According to him, God told him the children and teachers would be released dramatically, although no timeline or details were revealed. He subsequently urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer while security agencies continued rescue efforts.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, including Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. During the ordeal, one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers, heightening national anxiety over the fate of the remaining captives.

The successful rescue has drawn widespread relief across the country, with many Nigerians welcoming the safe return of the children and teachers while commending the combined efforts of security operatives involved in the operation.

For RCCG, the development marks what the church describes as the fulfilment of Pastor Adeboye’s prophetic declaration and a testimony to the power of prayer.