“Stop Calling Bandits Muslims”- Oyo Muslims React to Rising Kidnappings, Send Strong Message to Nigerians

• Muslim leaders in Oyo State have urged Nigerians not to associate banditry and kidnapping with Islam, insisting that criminals do not represent the religion.
• They also called for prayers, unity, vigilance, and stronger cooperation with security agencies to tackle insecurity.

Muslim leaders in Oyo State have called on Nigerians to stop associating banditry and kidnapping with Islam, insisting that those behind such criminal acts do not represent the teachings of the religion.

The call was made during a special prayer session held on Sunday at the Yidi Praying Ground in Agodi, Ibadan, where members of the Muslim Community of Oyo State gathered to seek divine intervention over the growing insecurity across the state and the country.

The event, which had the approval of the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere, drew Islamic clerics, community leaders, and worshippers from the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland.

Speaking at the gathering, guest lecturer Sheikh Muyideen Onihantu said the prayer session was organised to seek God’s intervention over the worsening security situation, which has left many Nigerians living in fear.

“The essence of the prayer is to seek God’s face over the insecurity that has robbed citizens of peace of mind,” he said.

Onihantu noted that the gathering brought together people from different ethnic backgrounds, including Yoruba, Hausa, Nupe, and Tapa communities, stressing that unity and cooperation remain essential in tackling insecurity.

He urged Nigerians to avoid political, ethnic, and tribal divisions and instead support efforts aimed at restoring peace and security.

Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Sabo, Sheikh Ibrahim Abdullahi, prayed for the safe return of abducted students and teachers and called on the government to intensify rescue efforts.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Community, Abidemi Siyanbade, expressed concern over the recent wave of abductions in Oyo State, warning that the spread of banditry into the South-West should not be taken lightly.

He maintained that criminals involved in kidnappings should not be linked to Islam, describing them as individuals acting contrary to the principles of the faith.