The Muslim community in Oyo State has distanced itself from terrorists holding teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, rejecting the group’s demand for the implementation of Sharia law and insisting that the kidnappers do not represent Islam.
The position was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Ishaq Sanvni, and the Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, on Friday.
The terrorists, who invaded three schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, reportedly demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the enforcement of Sharia-related laws as conditions for freeing the abducted victims.
Condemning the demands, the Muslim community described the kidnappers’ actions as criminal and contrary to the teachings of Islam.
“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 said.
The group added that terrorists could not claim to speak on behalf of Muslims, stressing that their actions amounted to a distortion of Islamic teachings. It also cited Chapter 5 Verse 32 of the Qur’an, which emphasises the protection of human life, and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the captives.
Schools Shut Across Oyo
The abduction crisis has triggered widespread reactions across the state, with public and private schools in all 33 local government areas suspending academic activities in solidarity with the abducted teachers and pupils.
The state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed public schools to remain closed until the victims are rescued, while private school operators also ordered a shutdown on Friday.
A circular distributed by the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools urged member schools to close as a mark of solidarity and to offer prayers for the safe return of the victims.
Parents and school administrators in affected communities said security concerns forced them to suspend classes despite ongoing examinations.
Terrorist Leaders Sought for Release
Sources revealed that the abductors are demanding the release of two alleged leaders of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (Ansaru), a faction linked to Boko Haram.
The suspects, Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Mahmud Al-Nigeri, were arrested in 2025 and are currently facing terrorism charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
A senior security official involved in the case noted that the suspects remain in custody because their trial is ongoing and due process must be followed.
Experts Divided on Government Response
Security experts who spoke on the development expressed differing views on how the Federal Government should handle the terrorists’ demands.
A former Commandant of the Amotekun Corps in Osun State, retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi, described the situation as a difficult dilemma, warning that paying ransom or releasing terrorist leaders could strengthen criminal networks and encourage future kidnappings.
Another retired military officer, Brigadier-General Peter Aro, said the government should first establish proof that the abducted victims are alive before making any decision. He also warned against public comments that could aid the kidnappers.
Retired Major-General Segun Fatola argued for a tougher approach to terrorism, insisting that negotiations and deradicalisation efforts had failed to curb the menace.
Similarly, security consultant Abdulrazaq Hamzat urged authorities to maintain a strict non-negotiation policy, warning that conceding to terrorist demands would only encourage further attacks.
However, Lagos-based security analyst Ayo Adegbenro described the crisis as complex, noting that community collaborators often aid kidnapping operations and that the government must carefully weigh the consequences of any action.
The Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, Kabiru Adamu, also called for a comprehensive risk assessment before any decision is taken, particularly regarding the demand for the release of detained terrorist commanders.
Oyo Government Maintains Silence
Despite growing public concern, the Oyo State Government has declined to disclose details of any negotiations or rescue efforts.
Speaking on the matter, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said discussing government strategy at this stage could jeopardise ongoing efforts and the safety of the victims.
“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.
The abducted teachers and pupils have now spent more than three weeks in captivity, with families, community leaders and stakeholders continuing to call for urgent action to secure their release.
- CBN imposes N100m fine on banks for forex documentation violations - June 6, 2026
- 397 Nigerians cleared for repatriation from South Africa - June 6, 2026
- Oyo muslims reject terrorists’ sharia demand - June 6, 2026
