“Kidnap victims deserve rescue, not political, religious exploitation”, says League of Imams chieftain
By KEMI KASUMU
He emphasised that every kidnapped victim represents a grieving family living in fear and uncertainty, noting that behind each abduction is “a father, mother, child, spouse, sibling or friend whose loved ones are enduring unbearable emotional torment.”
The Grand Chief Imam of Sepeteri Land, Al Imam Engr. Abdulhakeem Demola Raji, has strongly condemned what he described as the growing politicisation and religious exploitation of the country’s worsening security crisis, urging leaders and citizens to prioritise the rescue of kidnapped victims over political and ideological interests.
In a statement issued on Tuesday June 9, 2026, the cleric expressed deep concern that, amid escalating cases of abduction and insecurity, some individuals appear more focused on political gains and religious narratives than on safeguarding innocent lives.
He emphasised that every kidnapped victim represents a grieving family living in fear and uncertainty, noting that behind each abduction is “a father, mother, child, spouse, sibling or friend whose loved ones are enduring unbearable emotional torment.”
Al Imam Raji, who also serves as Chairman Planning Committee of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, questioned the distortion of facts and manipulation of narratives surrounding insecurity, warning that reducing human lives to political talking points or religious propaganda undermines efforts to address the crisis effectively.
Describing the trend as “political and religious madness,” he stated that criminality has no religion, tribe, or political affiliation. According to him, kidnappers and bandits are criminals who must be treated strictly as such, without attempts to associate their actions with any faith or community.
He further criticised those who spread misinformation or exploit the pain of victims to advance personal, political, or ideological agendas, saying such actions worsen divisions and distract from urgent rescue efforts.
“At a time when communities are living in fear, responsible voices should promote unity, truth, and constructive solutions rather than division and sensationalism,” he said.
The cleric stressed that Islam does not condone kidnapping, terrorism, or any form of criminality, and cautioned against judging any religion or community by the actions of criminals.
He called on leaders and citizens alike to uphold the sanctity of human life, urging collective action rooted in compassion and sincerity. He also offered prayers for the safe return of kidnapped victims and for strength and comfort for their families.
The statement said in details, “It is deeply saddening and profoundly disturbing that, amid a worsening security crisis, some individuals appear more concerned with political gains and religious propaganda than with the protection of innocent lives. Every kidnapped victim is someone’s father, mother, child, spouse, sibling, or friend. Behind every abduction is a family trapped in fear, anguish, uncertainty, and unbearable emotional torment.
“Why are we complicating an issue that demands sincerity, urgency, and collective action? Why are facts being twisted and narratives manipulated while innocent people remain in captivity? How much longer shall human lives be reduced to political talking points and religious propaganda? How much longer shall innocent citizens continue to suffer while those entrusted with leadership fail to demonstrate the seriousness this crisis demands?
“The growing trend of politicising insecurity and weaponising religion is nothing short of madness. Criminality has no religion, no tribe, and no political affiliation. Kidnappers are criminals, and criminals must be confronted as criminals. Those who deliberately spread falsehoods, distort realities, and exploit the pain of victims to advance personal, political, or ideological agendas are contributing to the very problem they claim to condemn.
“At a time when communities are living in fear and families are praying for the safe return of their loved ones, responsible voices should be promoting unity, truth, and constructive solutions. Instead, some have chosen the path of division, misinformation, and sensationalism. Such conduct only deepens wounds, fuels suspicion, and distracts attention from the urgent task of securing the lives and freedom of those in captivity.
“May the wrath of Allah be upon those who knowingly propagate lies and misinformation, especially those who maliciously use religion as a tool to spread hatred, division, and prejudice. Islam does not condone kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, or any form of criminality. No faith, tribe, or community should be judged by the actions of criminals, nor should religion be exploited to advance biased or malicious narratives,” said Imam Raji.
Human lives are sacred. The suffering of victims and their families should unite us in compassion and action, not divide us through political gamesmanship and religious intolerance. The value of a human life is far greater than any political advantage, media attention, or ideological objective.
May Allah expose every manipulator, frustrate every architect of falsehood, and hold accountable all those who place personal, political, or ideological interests above human lives. May He, in His infinite mercy, grant safety, protection, and swift freedom to all kidnapped victims, heal the hearts of their families, strengthen those working for their rescue, and reunite them with their loved ones in peace, security, and good health.
Allahuma Ameen
Al Imam Engr Abdulhakeem Demola Raji, MNSE, MNIEEE
Grand Chief Imam of Sepeteri Land
Chairman, Planning Committee
League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States.
