Jun 6, 2026

Oyo Muslims Reject Terrorists’ Sharia Demand, Condemn School Abductions

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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The Muslim Community of Oyo State has strongly dissociated itself from terrorists who reportedly demanded the implementation of Sharia law as part of the conditions for releasing teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, declaring that such demands are contrary to the teachings of Islam.

The group’s reaction follows the abduction of teachers and students during coordinated attacks on three schools in the Esinele, Yawota, and Alawusa communities on May 15, an incident that has sparked widespread concern across the state.

According to reports, the kidnappers demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles, and the introduction of Sharia-related laws before freeing the victims.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Sanvni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, the Muslim Community condemned the abductors’ actions and rejected any attempt to associate Islam with criminality, violence, or extremism.

The organization stressed that no terrorist group has the authority to speak on behalf of Muslims or represent the Islamic faith.

“Islam forbids kidnapping, terrorism, and the extortion of innocent people. Genuine Sharia upholds justice, peace, compassion, and the sanctity of human life—principles that stand in complete opposition to the activities of criminal elements,” the statement noted.

The group further described the terrorists’ use of religious language to justify their demands as a dangerous distortion of Islamic teachings, insisting that Islam does not support violence against innocent citizens under any circumstance.

Referencing Chapter 5, Verse 32 of the Holy Qur’an, the Muslim Community reiterated that the preservation of human life remains one of Islam’s highest values and called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward the safe rescue of all abducted teachers and pupils.

The incident has continued to generate outrage across Oyo State, with reports indicating that public and private schools in all 33 local government areas temporarily shut down in solidarity with the victims and their families.

Meanwhile, the Eleshi of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, appealed to both the state and federal governments to take urgent action to secure the release of those still in captivity.

“We are aware of the demands made by the abductors, but our community is helpless. We are appealing to the government to intervene and ensure the safe return of our people,” the monarch said.

The abduction has once again drawn attention to the growing security challenges facing rural communities and schools in parts of Oyo State, with stakeholders calling for stronger security measures, improved intelligence gathering, and greater protection for educational institutions across the region.