Oyo Muslims Reject Kidnappers’ Sharia Demand, Call For Safe Return Of Abducted Schoolchildren

A group, the Muslim Community of Oyo State, has condemned attempts by kidnappers to justify their criminal activities with references to Sharia law, insisting that terrorists and abductors do not represent Islam or speak on behalf of Muslims.

In a statement jointly issued on Friday, by the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and the Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, the leadership of the Muslim ummah in Oyo State described the Sharia-related demands reportedly made by abductors of schoolchildren in the State as a distortion of Islamic teachings, stressing that Islam unequivocally prohibits kidnapping, terrorism and the extortion of innocent citizens.

The group said legitimate Sharia promotes justice, peace and the sanctity of human life, values that are fundamentally incompatible with criminal violence.

According to the statement, “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 community further stated that Islam forbids acts of kidnapping and terrorism, noting that criminals cannot use religion to legitimise unlawful actions.

Citing the Holy Qur’an, the group referenced a verse it said underscores the importance of preserving human life.

It quoted Qur’an Chapter 3 Verse 32 as saying: “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 State’s Muslim Community also reaffirmed its support for security agencies and urged authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the abductions.

The leadership of the group called on Muslims and residents of 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 Muslim Community of Oyo State announced a special prayer session for the safe and speedy return of abducted schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of the State.

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

The community urged Muslims across the state to participate in the prayer gathering.

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

“Our hearts bleed,” the statement said, noting that some of the abductees were toddlers as young as two year-old who are being held under harsh conditions in forest hideouts.

The group prayed for divine guidance and protection for security personnel involved in the rescue efforts and expressed hope that all abductees would be returned safely without casualties.