By Ugochukwu Ugwuanyi
You may have observed that the instinctive reaction of people in extremely vulnerable situations is a frantic call on the name “Jesus.” People—not Christians—are deliberately referred to here because there have been stories of self-styled atheists and animists hysterically calling on the Name amid flight turbulence or when life throws a curveball that lands them in dire straits. Jesus is truly a name for all seasons and occasions. More common still are instances of people screaming, “Jesus!” as they wake from a nightmare.
A compelling reason for the Name’s enduring appeal has now emerged.
On May 15, 2026, dozens of armed men—some dressed in military fatigues and riding motorcycles—stormed three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State. By the time the dust settled at Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, all located near Ogbomoso, 39 pupils and seven teachers had been abducted and taken into the forest.
The hostages regained their freedom on July 10, after spending 56 days in captivity. During that period, the kidnappers beheaded the mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun.
Following the victims’ rescue, one of the teachers, Zacchaeus Olatunde, told a national radio station:
“When we just got there, they told us not to pray, but after about a month, they told us we could pray but not mention the name of Jesus, and we should not pray out loud.”
This disclosure lends striking real-life weight to those familiar scenes in Christian films where the mere mention of the name of Jesus unsettles occult gatherings or witches’ covens. There is perhaps no clearer validation of the significance of something than its prohibition by those who oppose it. In this case, the kidnappers—who reportedly celebrated after brutally killing one of their captives—considered the Name so threatening that they forbade its utterance.
To many, the Oriire victims’ experience may seem like a remarkable revelation: that courage and hope can be found in boldly praying in the name of Jesus. To the believer, however, it simply confirms what Scripture has long declared.
Editor’s Note
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Mirror African Diaspora. Articles published in our Opinion and Faith & Culture sections are intended to encourage informed discussion, critical reflection, and the exchange of ideas. They are published following editorial review for clarity, style, and journalistic standards while preserving the author’s voice and perspective.
Author Bio
Ugochukwu Ugwuanyi is a sage, storyteller, branding specialist, and public affairs commentator whose writings explore faith, communication, leadership, reputation, and contemporary societal issues. He welcomes readers’ feedback at nmiringwu@gmail.com.
