The Oyo State League of Imams and Alfas and the Muslim Community of Oyo State gathered Sunday at Yidi Agodi Praying Ground, Ibadan, to pray for the safe release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
Recall that terrorists kidnapped 46 pupils and teachers in coordinated attacks on three schools on May 15. The crisis deepened when one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed. A video later showed Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Esiele, begging authorities to negotiate their release. The abductions sparked nationwide protests by the Nigerian Union of Teachers and others.
The prayer was led by the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakar Agbotomokekere, and drew hundreds of clerics, scholars and community leaders. Speaking for the Chairman of the Muslim Community, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sani, Secretary-General Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade said the gathering was driven by alarm at the bandits’ incursion.
“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 added his faith that prayers will help: “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.” He also warned: “Those carrying out these heinous crimes are not Muslims. They are criminals here to endanger the peace and tranquillity of this country,” and urged, “Security is not for security agencies alone. It is the responsibility of everybody. When we see strangers, let us not keep quiet.”
Alhaji (Dr.) Abdul-Bari Adetunji Aremu prayed for rescue: “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.
Guest lecturer Alhaji Muyideen Abdul-Kareem Oniantu urged unity: “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.
MSSN president Tajudeen Mustapha warned of long-term harm: “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.
Also present were leaders including Dr. Kamil Oloso, Sheikh Abdul-Lateef Adekilekun, Alhaji Mosud Akintola, Dr. Basir Elesinmeta, Alhaji Ajadi Omookuorun and all Chief Imams of the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland.
