Muslim leaders and groups in Oyo State have distanced themselves from reports that terrorists behind the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area demanded the introduction of Sharia law in the state as part of conditions for the victims’ release.
The Islamic community condemned the demand, describing it as criminal, unconstitutional and contrary to the peaceful teachings of Islam.
Speaking on the development, prominent Muslim stakeholders stressed that no religious group in Oyo State supports violence or the use of terrorism to advance any agenda, insisting that the abductors do not represent the interests of Muslims in the state.
They urged residents not to associate the criminal demands with Islam, warning against attempts to exploit the abduction to sow religious division and hatred among the people.
The Muslim community also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and teachers and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
They expressed solidarity with the families of the victims and reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence with adherents of other faiths in Oyo State.
The reaction followed reports that the terrorists holding the victims had made a series of demands, including money, weapons and the implementation of Sharia law in Oyo State.
Community leaders maintained that criminality should not be given a religious colouration, emphasizing that Oyo State has long enjoyed harmonious relations among its diverse religious communities.
