The Muslim Community of Oyo State has condemned kidnappers invoking Sharia to justify their actions, saying terrorists do not represent Islam and cannot speak for Muslims in the state.
In a press statement issued Friday and signed by Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, Chairman, and Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, Secretary-General, the community said recent criminal acts by abductors who used religious rhetoric to defend kidnapping and extortion were a distortion of Islamic teachings.
“Islam strictly forbids kidnapping, terrorism, and the extortion of innocent citizens,” the statement read. “Legitimate Sharia advocates for justice, peace, and the protection of human life, which directly contradicts the violent actions of criminals.”
The community cited Qur’an Chapter 3, Verse 32, which states that killing an innocent soul is as if one has slain all mankind, while saving a life is as if one has saved all mankind.
It pledged full support for law enforcement agencies and urged authorities to track down and apprehend the perpetrators swiftly.
Residents were also called to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and reject attempts to distort the peaceful teachings of Islam.
Under the leadership of the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Al-Imam Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakar Agbotomokekere, the community announced a special prayer for the safe and speedy release of students and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The prayer will hold on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Yidi Agodi Praying Ground, Ibadan.
“We implore all Muslims in Oyo State to join us at the prayer session,” the statement said.
The leadership said its heart “bleeds” for the victims, including toddlers as young as two years old, who it said are being held in harsh forest conditions and subjected to cruel treatment.
The community commended the intervention of the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government and prayed for their success in securing the release of the abductees without collateral casualties.
“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,” the statement added.
