Islamic Leaders Charge Security Agencies To Intensify Safety Of Lives, Properties Of Nigerians

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Raji Adebayo

League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land has enjoined security agencies to without waisting more time intensify efforts to secure lives and properties of all Nigerians irrespective of their sex, age, tribe or religion.

The league also appealed to security agencies to arrest and prosecute those criminal elements who are fueling kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robberies and other criminal activities in the country.

The league made these declarations in a press statement issued in a reaction to the recent cases of abduction in Oyo State and other parts of the country.

The statement was signed by the President of the league and Chief Imam of Ekiti State, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Vice President and Chief Imam of Ogun State, Sheikh Saadullah Bamgbola, Life Grand Patron and Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere, Chief Imam of Osun State, Sheikh Musa Rabiu Animasahun, Chief Imam of Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede, Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division and Chairman Rabita, Lagos, Sheikh Seifudeen Oloworibi Ademoritan, Mudiru-l-Markaz and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, Grand Mufti of Yoruba Land, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola and Secretary General, Leaque of Imam and Alfas in Yoruba Land, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat.

The league in the statement available to journalists on Thursday in Ibadan, expressed its profound concern and sadness over the recent wave of insecurity in some parts of Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.

It added that it was particularly disturbed by the abduction of pupils and teachers in some communities in Oriire local government area of Oyo State.

The league said that such criminal acts against innocent children, educators, and law-abiding citizens are unacceptable, condemnable, and contrary to the teachings of Islam.

It added that Islam places great value on the sanctity of human life, security, and social harmony.

The league then used the opportunity to appeal to security agencies at all levels to intensify their efforts towards securing lives and properties of all Nigerians.

It also tasked security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice without delay.

The league also appealed to parents, teachers, religious leaders, youth organizations, and community stakeholders to remain alert and continue supporting efforts aimed at protecting our schools, communities, and public institutions.

The league while speaking further, used the opportunity to congratulate President Bola Tinubu on the occasion of his third anniversary in the office.

It called on Almighty God to give Tinubu the needed courage and strength to deliver all his electoral promises.

The statement reads “The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, with its headquarters in Bodija, Ibadan, wishes to express its profound concern and sadness over the recent wave of insecurity affecting various parts of Yoruba Land and Nigeria as a whole. Particularly disturbed by the recent abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in some schools in some communities in Oriire local government area of Oyo State. Such criminal acts against innocent children, educators, and law-abiding citizens are unacceptable, condemnable, and contrary to the teachings of Islam, which places great value on the sanctity of human life, security, and social harmony.

“Allah Almighty says in the Glorious Qur’an: “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:32). The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also said: “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand people are safe.”(Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

“As the foremost Islamic umbrella body and spiritual authority representing the Muslim Ummah across Yoruba Land (South-West Nigeria), we are deeply disturbed by these unfortunate developments. We therefore call upon security agencies at all levels to intensify their efforts towards securing lives and property and ensuring that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice without delay.

“The League has commenced special prayers, supplications, and spiritual engagements throughout Yoruba Land, seeking Allah’s intervention for the restoration of peace, security, and harmony that have historically characterized our region. We urge all Mosques, Islamic organizations, traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens to join hands in promoting vigilance, unity, and cooperation with lawful authorities.

‘We equally call on parents, teachers, religious leaders, youth organizations, and community stakeholders to remain alert and continue supporting efforts aimed at protecting our schools, communities, and public institutions.

“The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land also uses this opportunity to congratulate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the third anniversary of his administration. We acknowledge that the nation has faced significant economic challenges arising from the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange instability, inflationary pressures, and other inherited structural difficulties. While these challenges have placed burdens on many Nigerians, we recognize the efforts of the Federal Government in pursuing reforms aimed at long-term national development and economic sustainability.

“We pray that Almighty Allah grants President Tinubu wisdom, strength, good health, and divine guidance in steering the affairs of our nation. We equally pray that his administration succeeds in overcoming current challenges and delivering greater prosperity, security, and stability to all Nigerians. “The Holy Qur’an reminds us: “And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’”(Surah Ta-Ha 20:114).

“As fathers, scholars, and spiritual elders of the Muslim community in Yoruba Land, it remains our sacred responsibility to offer sincere counsel, continuous prayers, and constructive support for all initiatives that promote justice, peace, security, and national progress.

“We remain hopeful that with collective efforts, sincere leadership, effective security measures, and the mercy of Almighty Allah, Nigeria shall overcome its present difficulties and emerge stronger, safer, and more prosperous.
May Allah restore lasting peace to every community in Yoruba Land and throughout Nigeria. May Allah protect our children, teachers, security personnel, and all citizens. May Allah bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.