Oyo Kidnapping: Muslims Reject Bandits’ Demand For Sharia Law
The Muslim Community of Oyo State has strongly condemned the recent Sharia-related demands made by abductors, declaring that terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot speak for Muslims.
The leadership of the community issued this statement on Friday following recent criminal acts where kidnappers attempted to justify their actions using religious rhetoric.
Tribune Online reports that no fewer than 39 students and seven teachers were abducted and two killed when terrorists attacked three schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire local government area of Oyo State on May 16, 2026.
Reacting to developments that have trailed the government’s efforts to secure the release of the abductees, especially reported conditions from the terrorists, the Muslim community in Oyo clarified that Islam strictly forbids kidnapping, terrorism, and the extortion of innocent citizens.
The group, in the statement signed by its chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and secretary-general, Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, emphasised that legitimate Sharia advocates for justice, peace, and the protection of human life, which directly contradicts the violent actions of criminals.
Continuing, the Muslim Community of Oyo State reiterated its full support for law enforcement agencies and urged authorities to track down the perpetrators swiftly.
“In the Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3, verse 32, Almighty Allah says: ‘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.’
The leadership, according to the statement, called on all Muslims and residents of Oyo State to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and reject any attempts to distort the peaceful teachings of Islam.
Meanwhile, the community, under the aegis of the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Al-Imam Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakar Agbotomokekere, also announced a special prayer for the speedy and safe return of abductees from schools in Oriire Local Govt of Oyo State.
The prayer, to be led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Al-Imam Abdul-Ganiyu Abubakar Agbotomokekere, is scheduled for Sunday at Yidi Agodi Praying Ground, Ibadan.
“We implore all Muslims in Oyo State to join us at the prayer session.
“We appreciate the intervention of the Oyo State government, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and pray to Almighty Allah to help them in their onerous intervention. We also pray for our security agencies for the help and guidance of Allah in their rescue efforts so that there will not be any collateral casualty, as they conquer the criminals and bring back home safely the abductees, amongst whom are toddlers as young as 2 years old, exposed to very cruel treatment in the forests, in such a harsh condition. Our hearts bleed,” the statement added.
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