No need to add falsehoods to already horrifying Oyo kidnap stories, NSCIA declares in Democracy Day message
By KEMI KASUMU
It cited Prof. Farooq Kperogi’s recent article titled “Don’t Add Lies to the Terrorist Horror in Oyo,” which the Council said had rightly observed that the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State was already horrifying and did not require embellishment through falsehoods, conjecture, half-truths, or opportunistic propaganda.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has cautioned against linking criminal activities to any religion or ethnic group, warning that such narratives could deepen divisions and undermine efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.
The council made the call in a Democracy Day message with reference NSCIA/HQ/PRS/094 dated 25th Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH equivalent to 11th June 2026 and signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh.
The NSCIA said while insecurity remained a major challenge confronting the country, criminality should not be given ethnic or religious colouration.
The Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar-led Council noted with concern the persistent threats posed by banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other forms of violent crimes, saying they continued to claim innocent lives, displace communities and hinder national development.
In the statement titled “JUNE 12: NSCIA CALLS FOR RENEWED COMMITMENT TO PEACE, SECURITY, AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT,” the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, which started by congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, said in details:
“As the nation commemorates the 27th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic governance on Friday, June 12, 2026, the Council joins all patriots in honouring the sacrifices of those who struggled for democracy, constitutional rule, and the enthronement of the rule of law in Nigeria.
“The significance of June 12 lies not only in its historical importance but also in its enduring reminder that democracy flourishes where justice, accountability, inclusion, and respect for human dignity prevail.
“While acknowledging the progress made in Nigeria’s democratic journey, the NSCIA notes with concern the persistent security challenges confronting various parts of the country, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other forms of criminality. These threats continue to claim innocent lives, disrupt livelihoods, displace communities, and undermine national development.
“The Council unequivocally condemns all acts of violence and criminality and, for the umpteenth time, admonishes those involved to abandon and repudiate their destructive activities. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families. Indeed, insecurity affects all Nigerians, and collective efforts are required to address this menace.
“The Council reiterates that Islam, like other divinely revealed religions, neither condones nor permits the shedding of innocent blood, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, or any form of criminal conduct.
“Similarly, the NSCIA is also disturbed by the unfortunate attempts in some quarters, both within and outside Nigeria, to unjustly associate Nigerian Muslims with the criminal activities of banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crimes perpetrated by criminals.
“We wish to state unequivocally that such religious profiling is false, misleading, and grossly unfair to the overwhelming majority of peace-loving Nigerian Muslims who continue to live, work, and contribute positively to national development across all sectors of the society. The perpetrators of the recent mischief created to criminalise Islam and the Muslims did not even take into consideration the safety of the people in captivity.
“While some mischief-makers were hell-bent on criminalising the Muslims and the Shariah for the kidnapping of students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, recent developments have vindicated the Muslims of the attempted false-criminalisation.”
It cited Prof. Farooq Kperogi’s recent article titled “Don’t Add Lies to the Terrorist Horror in Oyo,” which the Council said had rightly observed that the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State was already horrifying and did not require embellishment through falsehoods, conjecture, half-truths, or opportunistic propaganda.
“The perennial ethnic profiling is also misleading. The identity of the suspects arrested so far in connection with the Orire LGA, Oyo State, unfortunate saga, did not show them as Fulanis, contrary to the initial and erroneous report. This should stop, and anyone who commits crimes should be labelled with the crimes committed and duly prosecuted according to the enabling laws of the land.
“While it is enough that Nigerian Muslims themselves are victims of not only terrorism but also discrimination and persecution, it is also sad that they are being falsely criminalised for being the perpetrators. Indeed, they are being made to suffer double jeopardy.
“The Council calls on the media, opinion leaders, and all stakeholders to exercise responsibility, professionalism, accuracy, and fairness in their reporting and public commentary. Narratives capable of inflaming tensions or deepening mistrust among Nigeria’s diverse communities should be avoided.
“Criminality should neither be given ethnic nor religious coloration, as such narratives deepen divisions and undermine collective efforts to address insecurity and achieve lasting peace,” said the NSCIA.
The Council said, however, commended the efforts of the Federal Government, security agencies, and community leaders in tackling insecurity and calls for greater collaboration among all stakeholders to restore peace and stability across the country.
“We pray for our security agencies that Allah strengthen and protect them in their efforts to safeguard lives and property.
“May the sacrifices of the heroes of our democratic struggle never be in vain.
“Happy Democracy Day to all Nigerians,” it wished Nigerians.
