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Terrorists Cannot Speak for Islam, Oyo Muslim Community Declares

The Muslim Community of Oyo State has condemned the Sharia-related demand made by abductors, following attempts by the kidnappers to justify their criminal actions using Islamic theology.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, the leadership of the community clarified that terrorists do not represent the values of Islam and cannot speak for the Muslim Ummah.

The community emphasised that Islam strictly forbids kidnapping, terrorism and extortion.

The group further emphasised that legitimate Sharia advocates justice, peace and the protection of human life, values that directly contradict the violent actions of criminals, thereby reiterating its full support for law enforcement agencies to track down the perpetrators quickly.

The statement referenced the Qur'an, emphasising that Islam strictly forbids the taking of innocent lives.

The leaders 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.

"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 years old, exposed to very cruel treatment in the forests, in such a harsh condition."