The Muslim Community of Oyo State has condemned attempts by kidnappers to justify their crimes with references to Sharia law, insisting that terrorists and abductors do not represent Islam or speak for Muslims.
In a joint statement issued Friday by Chairman Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni and Secretary-General Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, the group described the Sharia-related demands reportedly made by abductors of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area as a distortion of Islamic teachings.
The leadership of the Muslim ummah in Oyo State said Islam unequivocally prohibits kidnapping, terrorism and extortion of innocent citizens.
“The Muslim Community of Oyo State strongly condemns the recent Sharia-related demands made by abductors, declaring that terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot speak for Muslims,” the statement read.
The group stressed that legitimate Sharia promotes justice, peace and the sanctity of human life – values it said are fundamentally incompatible with criminal violence.
Citing the Holy Qur’an, the community referenced Chapter 3 Verse 32: “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 Muslim Community reaffirmed its support for security agencies and urged authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the abductions.
It called on Muslims and residents across Oyo State to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and reject attempts to misrepresent the peaceful teachings of Islam.
Meanwhile, 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 session for the safe and speedy return of abducted schoolchildren in Oriire LGA.
The prayer gathering is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Yidi Agodi Praying Ground, Ibadan. Muslims across the state were urged to participate.
The community commended intervention efforts by the Oyo State Government, Federal Government and security agencies involved in rescue operations.
“Our hearts bleed,” the statement said, noting that some abductees were toddlers as young as two years old being held under harsh conditions in forest hideouts.
The group prayed for divine guidance and protection for security personnel involved in the rescue and expressed hope that all abductees would be returned safely without casualties.
