Terrorists can’t speak for us, Oyo Muslim Community dissociates self from abductors’ Shari’ah demands
*Plans special prayer for victims
By KEMI KASUMU and OUR REPORTER, Ibadan
Citing the Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3 verse 32, the group reiterated that taking a life unjustly is akin to killing all humanity, while saving a life is comparable to saving all mankind.
The Muslim Community of Oyo State has strongly condemned recent Shari’ah-related demands reportedly made by abductors of school children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, declaring that criminals and terrorists do not represent Islam or the Muslim faithful.
In a press statement issued and jointly signed by Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, its Chairman, and Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, Secretary-General dated Friday, June 5, 2026, leadership of the community faulted attempts by kidnappers to justify their actions with religious rhetoric. The group stressed that Islam strictly forbids kidnapping, terrorism, and the extortion of innocent citizens.
According to the statement, authentic Shari’ah principles promote justice, peace, and the sanctity of human life — values that directly contradict the violent acts of criminal elements.
Citing the Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3 verse 32, the group reiterated that taking a life unjustly is akin to killing all humanity, while saving a life is comparable to saving all mankind.
“Therefore, We have ordained that, he who slays a soul for spreading mischief on earth shall be as if he had slain all mankind and he who saves a life shall be as if he had given life to all mankind. And indeed, again and again,did our messengers come to them with clear directives, yet many of them continue to commit excesses on earth,” said the statement quoting from the Holy Qur’an Chapter 3 verse 32.
The Muslim Community also reaffirmed its support for law enforcement agencies and urged security operatives to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators swiftly and safely.
The leadership called on Muslims and residents of Oyo State to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and reject any distortion of Islam’s peaceful teachings.
Meanwhile, under the leadership of the Chief Imam of Ibadan Land and Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Al-Imam Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakar Agbotomokekere, the community has scheduled a special prayer session for the safe and speedy return of abducted schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The prayer session is slated to hold on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Yidi Agodi Praying Ground in Ibadan by 10:30 a.m.
The community appealed to all Muslims in the state to participate in the prayer gathering.
It also expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and security agencies for their ongoing intervention efforts.
The Muslim community prayed for divine guidance for security operatives in their rescue mission, noting concerns over the safety of the abductees, including toddlers as young as two years old reportedly being held in harsh forest conditions.
