Oyo Muslim Leaders Denounce Kidnappers’ ‘Sharia’ Demands: ‘Terrorists Cannot Speak for Us’

Juliet Oladele, Reporting

IBADAN — The Muslim community in Oyo State has strongly condemned the recent Sharia-related demands made by kidnappers who abducted dozens of schoolchildren and teachers last month, insisting that terrorists do not represent Islamic values and “cannot speak for Muslims.”

In a statement issued on Friday, community leaders rejected any attempt to justify criminal acts using religious rhetoric, following the 15 May attack on three schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities, Oriire local government area.

No fewer than 39 students and seven teachers were taken, and two people were killed.

The Muslim Community of Oyo State, chaired by Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, clarified that Islam strictly forbids kidnapping, terrorism, and the extortion of innocent citizens.

Legitimate Sharia, the group said, advocates for justice, peace, and the protection of human life – principles that directly contradict the violent actions of the abductors.

Quoting the Holy Qur’an (Chapter 3, verse 32), the statement read: “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 community reaffirmed its full support for law enforcement agencies and urged authorities to track down the perpetrators swiftly.

It also called on all Muslims and residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and reject any attempts to distort the peaceful teachings of Islam.

In a separate development, 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 – announced a special prayer for the safe return of the abductees. The prayer is scheduled for Sunday at Yidi Agodi Praying Ground, Ibadan.

“We implore all Muslims in Oyo State to join us,” the statement added. “We appreciate the intervention of the Oyo State government and the Federal Government. Our hearts bleed – among the abductees are toddlers as young as two years old, exposed to very cruel treatment in the forests in such harsh conditions.”

The community prayed that security agencies would rescue all captives without collateral casualties, and that the criminals would be overcome.