The Muslim Community of Oyo State has condemned the demand by terrorists for the implementation of Sharia law as a condition for releasing teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, stressing that such demands have no connection with Islamic teachings.
Drivetvnews gathered that the group described the kidnappers’ position as a deliberate distortion of Islam, maintaining that acts such as kidnapping, terrorism and extortion are forbidden in the religion.
The statement followed reports that the abductors of teachers and pupils seized during attacks on schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15 had demanded ransom, the release of detained terrorist leaders, two Hilux vehicles and the enforcement of Sharia-related laws before freeing the captives.
In a statement signed by Chairman Alhaji Ishaq Sanvni and Secretary-General Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, the Muslim Community of Oyo State strongly rejected any attempt to associate the criminal actions of the abductors with Islam.
According to the organisation, Islam promotes peace, justice and respect for human life, values that are completely at odds with terrorism and violent crimes.
The group stressed that terrorists cannot claim to represent Muslims or speak on behalf of the Islamic faith, adding that the use of religious rhetoric to justify criminal activities is misleading and unacceptable.
Referencing Qur’an Chapter 5 Verse 32, the community reiterated Islam’s emphasis on the sanctity of human life and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of all victims.
The development comes as schools across Oyo State reportedly shut down in solidarity with the abducted pupils, teachers and their families.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders and stakeholders have continued to call for urgent government intervention. The Eleshi of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, appealed to authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the safe return of those still in captivity.
The incident has further heightened concerns about insecurity in parts of Oyo State and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect schools and rural communities from attacks.
