Oyo Muslim Community Kicks Over Terrorists’ Demand For Sharia Law Before Releasing Abducted Teachers, Pupils
The Muslim Community of Oyo State has strongly condemned reports that terrorists holding abducted teachers and schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area demanded the implementation of Sharia law as part of conditions for their release, describing the request as a deliberate misrepresentation of Islamic principles.
The organisation said criminal groups involved in kidnapping, terrorism and extortion cannot claim to represent Islam or speak on behalf of Muslims, insisting that the religion promotes justice, peace and respect for human life.
The reaction follows the abduction of teachers and pupils during coordinated attacks on three schools located in the Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15. The incident has sparked widespread concern across Oyo State as families and residents continue to await the safe return of the victims.
According to reports, the kidnappers demanded the release of detained terrorist leaders, payment of ransom, the provision of two Hilux vehicles and the enforcement of Sharia-related laws before freeing those in captivity.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Ishaq Sanvni, and the Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, the group dissociated itself from the demands and denounced the abductors' attempt to use religion to justify criminal activities.
The statement maintained that Islamic teachings clearly prohibit kidnapping, terrorism and the exploitation of innocent people for financial or political gain.
“Islam forbids kidnapping, terrorism and the extortion of innocent citizens. Legitimate Sharia promotes justice, peace and the sanctity of human life, values that stand in direct opposition to the activities of criminal groups,” the organisation stated.
The community further argued that invoking Sharia law as a bargaining tool for the release of abducted persons amounted to a distortion of the faith and an abuse of its teachings.
“Terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot speak for Muslims,” the statement added.
Referencing Chapter 5, Verse 32 of the Holy Qur’an, the group emphasised the importance Islam places on the protection of human life and called on security agencies to intensify rescue operations aimed at securing the freedom of the abducted teachers and pupils.
The condemnation came amid a wave of solidarity actions across the state, with public and private schools reportedly shutting down in all 33 local government areas to protest the abduction and demonstrate support for the victims and their families.
As concerns over the prolonged captivity of the victims continue to grow, security experts have offered differing views on how the Federal Government should respond to the kidnappers’ demands, particularly those touching on religious and political issues.
Meanwhile, the Eleshi of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, appealed for urgent government intervention, saying residents of the affected communities were unable to meet the demands of the abductors and were relying on authorities to secure the release of those held captive.
“We are aware of the ransom demands of the terrorists, but we are helpless. We are looking up to the government and pleading for intervention,” the monarch said.
The abduction has renewed concerns about the deteriorating security situation in parts of Oyo State, with residents and stakeholders calling for stronger measures to safeguard schools, students, teachers and rural communities from further attacks.