Oyo Imams, Muslim leaders go spiritual over abduction of pupils, teachers
The Oyo State League of Imams and Alfas and the Muslim Community of Oyo State on Sunday converged at Yidi Agodi Praying Ground, Ibadan, for a special prayer session seeking divine intervention for the release of teachers and pupils recently abducted in Oriire Local Government Area. Daily Trust had reported how terrorists abducted 46 pupils […]
The Oyo State League of Imams and Alfas and the Muslim Community of Oyo State on Sunday converged at Yidi Agodi Praying Ground, Ibadan, for a special prayer session seeking divine intervention for the release of teachers and pupils recently abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
Daily Trust had reported how terrorists abducted 46 pupils and teachers in a coordinated attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
The crisis worsened days later when one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the abductors.
Calls for negotiations intensified after a video released on social media showed one of the abducted victims, Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Esiele, appealing to authorities to urgently negotiate their release.
The incident also sparked widespread outrage, leading to nationwide protests by members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and other stakeholders demanding urgent action.
On Sunday, the Muslim community in the state, led by the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakar Agbotomokekere, held a prayer session for the safe return of the victims.
The prayer session attracted hundreds of clerics, Islamic scholars, and community leaders from across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sani, Secretary-General Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade said the prayer was borne out of deep concern over the incursion of bandits into Oyo State through Oriire.
“We felt that with the incursion of bandits into Oyo State through Oriire in Ogbomoso, Allah, being the creator of all humans and non-living things, has control over all things,” he said.
“If they enter through Oriire and gain access to the South-West, they will go further down to the South-South and South-East. We must seek the face of Almighty Allah for the speedy and safe release of all abductees, and for this evil to stop permanently.”
Siyanbade expressed confidence that “with the calibre of people here today, Allah has answered our prayers. Very soon, you will hear that all the abductees have been released and the criminals are dealt with.”
The Muslim leaders emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous act do not represent Islam.
“Those carrying out these heinous crimes are not Muslims. They are criminals here to endanger the peace and tranquillity of this country,” Siyanbade declared.
He urged citizens to rise against insecurity by providing intelligence to government and community leaders.
“Security is not for security agencies alone. It is the responsibility of everybody. When we see strangers, let us not keep quiet.”
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, the Grand Mufti and Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdul-Bari Adetunji Aremu, said the prayer was necessary to “nip banditry, kidnapping and Boko Haram insurgency in the bud.”
“We pray to Allah to expose these terrorists and kidnappers. May Allah let all the teachers, pupils and those in their custody be rescued alive. May God grant us peace of mind in Oyo State. Just as the sister and sons of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, were rescued within five days, let us also receive those in captivity back home alive,” he prayed.
In his sermon, guest lecturer Alhaji Muyideen Abdul-Kareem Oniantu stressed the importance of faith, submission to Allah’s laws, and inculcating the right values in children.
“If we want victory over banditry and kidnapping, we have to be united and cooperate with one another. This is not the time for politics. What is paramount now is how communities, states and the country can live in peace,” he urged.
National President of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Tajudeen Mustapha, said the prayer was significant because students are the primary victims.
“If this continues, people will start withdrawing pupils from schools. A lot of children will be deprived of education. Government must strengthen security architecture, especially in the nooks and crannies of states,” he warned.
The Chief Imam of the Hausa Community, Sabo Ibadan, Alhaji Ibraheem Abdullahi, also commended the organisers and called on the government to step up efforts to protect lives and property.
The event was attended by renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Kamil Oloso; NASFAT Zonal Missioner, Sheikh Abdul-Lateef Adekilekun; NACOMYO National Secretary, Alhaji Mosud Akintola; Ansarudeen Missioner, Dr. Basir Elesinmeta; Seriki Musulumi of Oyo State, Alhaji Ajadi Omookuorun; and all Chief Imams of the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland.