The Muslim community in Oyo State has firmly condemned the Sharia-related demands made by terrorists who are holding teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area. They declared that these criminals do not represent Islam or the Muslim faith.
This strong stance emerged as public and private schools across all 33 local government areas in Oyo State closed their doors in solidarity with the victims of the abduction.
Security analysts shared their insights with Saturday PUNCH, offering contrasting opinions on how the Federal Government should respond to the terrorists’ demands. The abductors, who attacked three schools in the communities of Esinele, Yawota, and Alawusa on May 15, have reportedly demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, a ransom payment, two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia law in exchange for freeing the captives.
In a statement issued on Friday, jointly signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Sanvni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, the Oyo State Muslim community characterized the terrorists’ actions as criminal and contrary to Islamic teachings. They emphasized that any attempt by the abductors to justify their actions through religious rhetoric is a gross distortion of Islam.
“Islam forbids kidnapping, terrorism, and the extortion of innocent citizens. True Sharia promotes justice, peace, and the sanctity of human life—values that are in direct opposition to the actions of these criminal groups,” the statement read.
The community asserted that terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot claim to speak for Muslims. “Terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot speak for Muslims,” they stated.
Quoting Chapter 5, Verse 32 of the Holy Qur’an, the Muslim community underscored Islam’s emphasis on the protection of human life and urged security agencies to intensify their efforts to rescue those in captivity.
This development comes amid rising concerns about the fate of the abducted teachers and pupils. A traditional ruler from one of the affected communities, the Eleshi of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, has appealed to the government for assistance in securing the release of the victims.
“We are aware of the ransom demands from the terrorists, but we feel helpless. We are looking to the government and pleading for intervention,” he said.
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