By USMAN ALIYU

The Chief Imam of Uromi and President of the Muslim Students? Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta Chapter, Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, has been reportedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

The incident occurred at about 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Angle 90 area of Uromi, in Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo

Eyewitnesses said the Islamic cleric was abducted shortly after observing one of the daily prayers.

He had reportedly stepped out to buy food for his family when he was forcefully taken away near his residence.

Confirming the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, described the act as inglorious and unacceptable.

He strongly condemned the abduction and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the Islamic leader.

?I am hearing that they are asking for a very big amount of money and we don?t have such.

?Even if you have, if you do such a thing, you are encouraging them,? he said.

The chairman called on the Edo government to measure up and do everything possible to protect the ordinary citizens in the state.

?They are the ones that have the apparatus for security. So they should do everything possible to ensure that Imam is released unconditionally and without harm.

?Government should also put up all efforts to ensure that the citizens are able to sleep well with the two eyes closed and work freely without fear of kidnapping or assassination,? he said.

A family source told NAN that the suspected kidnappers had since reached out, demanding a ransom of N30 million.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among the Muslim community in the state, considering the abductee?s dual role as both a revered religious leader and an advocate for youth development.

The Police Command spokesperson in Edo, CSP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident to NAN, said, ?It was reported to us on Thursday.

?Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and track down the culprits,? he said. (NAN)

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