…call for justice over abductions in Oyo, beyond

By Adeola Badru

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has called on security agencies across Nigeria to urgently intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property, insisting that decisive action is needed to curb the rising wave of insecurity affecting communities nationwide.

In a statement issued in response to recent abductions in Oyo State and other parts of the country, the Islamic body urged law enforcement authorities to swiftly identify, arrest, and prosecute individuals responsible for kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

The League said it was “particularly disturbed” by the abduction of pupils and teachers in communities within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing such attacks as unacceptable and contrary to Islamic teachings and the sanctity of human life.

The statement was jointly signed by the President of the League and Chief Imam of Ekiti State, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere; Vice President and Chief Imam of Ogun State, Sheikh Saadullah Bamgbola; Life Grand Patron and Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere; Chief Imam of Osun State, Sheikh Musa Rabiu Animasahun; Chief Imam of Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede; Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division and Chairman Rabita, Lagos, Sheikh Seifudeen Oloworibi Ademoritan; Mudiru-l-Markaz and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory; Grand Mufti of Yoruba Land, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola; and Secretary General, League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat.

Expressing “profound concern and sadness” over worsening insecurity in Yorubaland and across Nigeria, the League said the spate of kidnappings targeting schoolchildren, teachers and innocent citizens demanded urgent national attention and coordinated security response.

It stressed that such acts were “unacceptable, condemnable, and contrary to the teachings of Islam,” adding that Islam places strong emphasis on the sanctity of life, security, and peaceful coexistence.

The statement further urged security agencies at all levels to intensify operations to protect citizens and ensure that perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice without delay.

The League also called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, youth organisations, and community stakeholders to remain vigilant and support efforts aimed at safeguarding schools, communities and public institutions.

In addition, the body announced that it had commenced special prayers, supplications and spiritual engagements across Yoruba Land for divine intervention to restore peace and stability.

It also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the third anniversary of his administration, praying for divine guidance and strength for his leadership as he navigates Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

President Tinubu’s administration was acknowledged in the statement as having faced significant economic pressures, including the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange instability, inflationary trends and broader structural reforms.

The League prayed that Almighty Allah grants the President wisdom, good health and success in delivering on his electoral promises and improving national welfare.

The statement reads: “The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, with its headquarters in Bodija, Ibadan, wishes to express its profound concern and sadness over the recent wave of insecurity affecting various parts of Yoruba Land and Nigeria as a whole.“

“Particularly disturbed by the recent abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in some schools in some communities in Oriire local government area of Oyo State.“

“Such criminal acts against innocent children, educators, and law-abiding citizens are unacceptable, condemnable, and contrary to the teachings of Islam, which places great value on the sanctity of human life, security, and social harmony.“

“Allah Almighty says in the Glorious Qur’an: “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:32). The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also said: “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand people are safe.”(Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).“

“As the foremost Islamic umbrella body and spiritual authority representing the Muslim Ummah across Yoruba Land (South-West Nigeria), we are deeply disturbed by these unfortunate developments. We therefore call upon security agencies at all levels to intensify their efforts towards securing lives and property and ensuring that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice without delay.“

“The League has commenced special prayers, supplications, and spiritual engagements throughout Yoruba Land, seeking Allah’s intervention for the restoration of peace, security, and harmony that have historically characterized our region.“

“We urge all Mosques, Islamic organizations, traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens to join hands in promoting vigilance, unity, and cooperation with lawful authorities.“

‘We equally call on parents, teachers, religious leaders, youth organizations, and community stakeholders to remain alert and continue supporting efforts aimed at protecting our schools, communities, and public institutions.“

“The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land also uses this opportunity to congratulate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the third anniversary of his administration.“

“We acknowledge that the nation has faced significant economic challenges arising from the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange instability, inflationary pressures, and other inherited structural difficulties.“

“While these challenges have placed burdens on many Nigerians, we recognize the efforts of the Federal Government in pursuing reforms aimed at long-term national development and economic sustainability.“

“We pray that Almighty Allah grants President Tinubu wisdom, strength, good health, and divine guidance in steering the affairs of our nation. We equally pray that his administration succeeds in overcoming current challenges and delivering greater prosperity, security, and stability to all Nigerians. “The Holy Qur’an reminds us: “And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’”(Surah Ta-Ha 20:114).“

“As fathers, scholars, and spiritual elders of the Muslim community in Yoruba Land, it remains our sacred responsibility to offer sincere counsel, continuous prayers, and constructive support for all initiatives that promote justice, peace, security, and national progress.“

“We remain hopeful that with collective efforts, sincere leadership, effective security measures, and the mercy of Almighty Allah, Nigeria shall overcome its present difficulties and emerge stronger, safer, and more prosperous.“

“May Allah restore lasting peace to every community in Yoruba Land and throughout Nigeria. May Allah protect our children, teachers, security personnel, and all citizens. May Allah bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,“ the statement added.