The Muslim Community of Oyo State has strongly distanced itself from Sharia-related demands reportedly made by the abductors of local schoolchildren, declaring that criminals and terrorists have no authority to speak for Islam or its followers.
In a statement released on Friday, the community condemned the kidnappers’ use of religious rhetoric to justify their criminal activities, describing their actions as entirely contrary to the peaceful teachings of the Islamic faith.
The statement, jointly signed by the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and the Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, emphasized that Islam strictly forbids kidnapping, terrorism, and the extortion of innocent citizens.
The leaders expressed full support for ongoing security operations to rescue the abducted children and urged the government to spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
