Oyo state

Author: Gist Correspondent

The Muslim Community of Oyo State has rejected alleged demands by abductors of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area seeking the adoption of Sharia law and the ceding of portions of land in the state, describing the claims as contrary to Islamic teachings and values.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, the group condemned what it described as attempts by criminals to justify their actions through religious rhetoric.

The community stressed that terrorists and kidnappers do not represent Islam and have no authority to speak on behalf of Muslims, insisting that the religion strictly prohibits kidnapping, terrorism, and the extortion of innocent citizens.

The reaction followed viral but unverified reports alleging that the abductors had demanded amendments to Oyo State laws to accommodate Sharia law and the surrender of specific territories as conditions for the release of their victims.

According to the Muslim leadership, genuine Sharia principles promote justice, peace, and the sanctity of human life, values that are fundamentally incompatible with the activities of criminal groups.

The community reaffirmed its support for security agencies and urged law enforcement authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and secure the safe release of the abductees.

Quoting Chapter 5, Verse 32 of the Holy Qur’an, the group emphasised Islam’s reverence for human life, noting that the unlawful killing of a person is regarded as equivalent to killing all mankind, while saving a life is akin to saving humanity.

It also called on Muslims and other residents of the state to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements to security agencies, and resist attempts to misrepresent the peaceful teachings of Islam.

As part of efforts to seek divine intervention, the community announced plans to hold a special prayer session on Sunday, June 7, at the Yidi Agodi Praying Ground in Ibadan for the safe and speedy return of the abductees.

The prayer session will be led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Al-Imam Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakar Agbotomokekere.

The organisation urged Muslims across the state to participate in the prayers while appreciating the efforts of the Oyo State Government, the Federal Government, and security agencies in addressing the crisis.

Expressing concern over the plight of the victims, the group noted that some of those being held captive are toddlers as young as two years old who are enduring harsh conditions in the forests.

It prayed for the success of ongoing rescue operations and for the safe return of all abductees without casualties.