Oyo Muslim Leaders Reject Kidnappers’ Sharia Demand, Urges Release of Abductees

The Muslim Community of Oyo State has strongly condemned attempts by kidnappers to justify their actions with references to Sharia law, insisting that such claims are a distortion of Islamic teachings and do not represent the faith or its followers.

The group also called for the immediate and safe release of schoolchildren abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, expressing deep concern over the continued captivity of victims, including toddlers, in forest hideouts.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and the Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, the group said criminals cannot cloak their actions in religion.

It stressed that Islam strictly forbids kidnapping, terrorism and any form of violence against innocent persons, adding that those engaging in such acts do not speak for the Muslim community.

“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 community explained that authentic Sharia principles are rooted in justice, peace and the protection of human life, and cannot be used to justify criminal behaviour.

Quoting the Holy Qur’an, the group cited Chapter 3, Verse 32, which emphasises the sanctity of human life and the severe moral weight of taking innocent lives or saving them.

It reiterated that no religious doctrine supports the abduction or extortion of innocent citizens, warning against attempts to mislead the public through religious manipulation.

The Muslim leaders also expressed solidarity with security agencies involved in ongoing rescue operations and urged them to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted children.

They called on residents across Oyo State to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements and support security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks.

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 Muslim Community announced a special prayer session for the safe return of the abducted pupils.

The prayer session is scheduled to hold on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Yidi Agodi Prayer Ground in Ibadan at 10:30 a.m.

The community urged Muslims across the state to participate in the spiritual exercise, describing it as a collective effort to seek divine intervention for the victims and their families.

It also commended the efforts of the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies currently involved in rescue operations.

“Our hearts bleed,” the statement added, noting the emotional toll of the abductions, especially given that some of the victims are very young children.

The group prayed for protection and success for security personnel working on the rescue mission and expressed optimism that all abducted persons would be safely returned without further harm.