Oyo abduction: Muslims reject terrorists’ demand for Sharia law

The Muslim Community of Oyo State has condemned the reported Sharia-related demands made by terrorists holding teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, declaring that the criminals do not represent Islam or Muslims.

 

The position came as public and private schools across the state’s 33 local government areas shut down in solidarity with the abducted victims.

 

The abductors, who attacked three schools in Esiele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, reportedly demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related laws before freeing the captives.

 

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Sanvni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, the Muslim community described the terrorists’ actions as criminal and contrary to Islamic teachings.

 

“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 statement read.

 

The group stressed that terrorists cannot claim to speak on behalf of Muslims.

 

“Terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot speak for Muslims,” it added.

 

Quoting Chapter 5 Verse 32 of the Holy Qur’an, the community emphasised the importance Islam places on the protection of human life and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those in captivity.

 

The development has heightened concerns over the fate of the abducted teachers and pupils.

 

The Eleshi of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, appealed to the government to secure the victims’ release.

 

“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,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, public and private schools across Oyo State have suspended academic activities in solidarity with the victims.

 

The state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Fatai Hassan, had earlier announced that all public primary and secondary schools would remain closed until the abductees are rescued.

 

Similarly, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) directed member schools to shut down on Friday as a mark of solidarity and to pray for the safe return of the victims.

 

The terrorists are reportedly demanding the release of two suspected Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Mahmud Al-Nigeri, who are currently standing trial on terrorism charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

 

Security and policy experts have continued to express divergent views on how the government should respond.

 

A retired Brigadier-General, Bashir Adewinbi, warned that meeting the terrorists’ demands could strengthen their operations.

 

“Anytime you give terrorists cash, you are creating insecurity because you are empowering them. They will use the money to recruit more fighters, expand their operations and commit more harm,” he said.

 

Another retired military officer, Peter Aro, said the government’s immediate priority should be confirming that the abductees are still alive before making any decisions.

 

The Executive Director of the Foundation for Peace Professionals, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, advised both the Federal and Oyo State governments to maintain a firm non-negotiation stance.

 

“Terrorist groups strategically deploy kidnapping, propaganda and fear to extract financial and political concessions. Yielding to such demands creates a dangerous precedent that encourages further attacks,” he said.

 

However, security consultant Kabiru Adamu urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment before deciding whether to accept or reject the demands.

 

“Releasing terrorist commanders could embolden other groups to kidnap more people in exchange for the freedom of their members. These are the risks that must be carefully evaluated,” he said.

 

The Oyo State Government has declined to disclose details of any ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release.

 

Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said revealing the government’s strategy could undermine the rescue process.

 

“It is unhelpful for us to state our strategy or what is transpiring now. The important thing is that when people see the outcome, they will be in a better position to judge,” he said.