The Muslim Community of Oyo State has condemned attempts by suspected kidnappers to justify criminal activities with religious arguments, insisting that terrorism and abduction have no place in Islam.
In a statement issued on Friday, the community distanced Muslims from recent Sharia-related demands reportedly made by abductors, stressing that criminals cannot represent Islamic teachings or speak on behalf of the Muslim faithful.
The statement, signed by Chairman Ishaq Kunle Sanni and Secretary Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, described kidnapping, terrorism and extortion as acts clearly prohibited under Islamic principles.
According to the group, genuine Sharia promotes justice, peace and the sanctity of human life, values it said stand in direct opposition to the violent conduct of criminal gangs.
“The Muslim Community of Oyo State strongly condemns the recent Sharia-related demands made by abductors,” the statement read, adding that terrorists should not be associated with Islam or its teachings.
The organisation also reaffirmed its support for security agencies and urged authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the abductions.
Citing the Holy Qur’an, Chapter 5 verse 32, the community stressed that Islam places high value on the protection of lives.
The quoted verse stated: “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.”
The group called on residents across Oyo State, particularly Muslims, to remain security-conscious and report suspicious movements or activities to relevant authorities.
It also urged the public to reject attempts by criminal elements to distort Islamic teachings for selfish purposes.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Community of Oyo State, under the leadership of the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Al-Imam Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakar Agbotomokekere, has announced a special prayer session for the safe return of abducted victims from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The prayer programme is scheduled to hold on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Yidi Agodi Praying Ground in Ibadan by 10:30 a.m.
The session will be led by Sheikh Agbotomokekere, with the organisers calling on Muslims across the state to participate in the prayers.
The community also acknowledged the intervention efforts of both the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government, while praying for divine guidance for security operatives involved in rescue operations.
It expressed concern over the condition of the abductees, noting that some of the victims are toddlers as young as two years old who are reportedly being held under harsh conditions in forest hideouts.
“Our hearts bleed,” the statement added, while praying for the safe rescue of all victims without casualties during ongoing security operations.
The community concluded by seeking divine intervention for the abductees, their families and security personnel working to secure their release.
