The Muslim Community of Oyo State yesterday, Friday, June 5, 2026, condemned the recent Sharia-related demands allegedly made by abductors, declaring that terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot speak for Muslims.

The community stated this in a release signed by the leadership including: Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni (Chairman) and Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade (Secretary-General).

The leadership said the statement became imperative following “recent criminal acts where kidnappers attempted to justify their actions using religious rhetoric”.

Viral but unconfirmed reports had claimed that among the demands of the abductors is the amendment of Oyo State laws to accommodate Sharia law and yield specific land territories to the group.

However, the Muslim Community of Oyo State said in its reaction that Islam strictly forbids kidnapping, terrorism, and the extortion of innocent citizens.

It emphasised that legitimate Sharia advocates for justice, peace, and the protection of human life, which directly contradicts the violent actions of criminals.

The community also reiterated its full support for law enforcement agencies and urged authorities to track down the perpetrators swiftly.

The statement reads in parts, “In The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3 verse 32, Almighty Allah says: “Therefore, We have ordained that, he who slays a soul for spreading mischief on earth shall be as if he had slain all mankind and he who saves a life shall be as if he had given life to all mankind. And indeed, again and again, did our messengers come to them with clear directives, yet many of them continue to commit excesses on earth”

It called on all Muslims and residents of Oyo State to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and reject any attempts to distort the peaceful teachings of Islam.

The group also announced that it will organise a special prayer for the speedy and safe return of the abductees from schools in Oriire local government area of the state.

It added that the special prayer, slated for Sunday, June 7th at the Yidi Agodi Praying Ground, Ibadan will hold under the leadership of the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Al-Imam Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakar Agbotomokekere.

“We implore all Muslims in Oyo State to join us at the prayer session.

“We appreciate the intervention of the Oyo State government, the Federal Government of Nigeria and pray to Almighty Allah, to help them in their onerous intervention.

“We also pray for our security agencies for the help and guidance of Allah, in their rescue efforts, so that there will not be any collateral casualty, as they conquer the criminals and bring back home safely, the abductees, amongst whom are toddlers as young as 2-year-olds, exposed to very cruel treatment in the forests, in such a harsh condition. Our hearts bleed.

“May Almighty Allah hearken to our fervent prayers”, the statement added. (Adapted from a report by The Guardian)