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The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State chapter, has called for the immediate prosecution of suspects arrested in connection with the abduction of pupils and teachers from Oriire Community, insisting that those responsible for the attack must face the full weight of the law.
In a statement issued by its General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the group described the successful rescue of the abducted victims after 56 days in captivity as a major relief to Nigerians.
It commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to securing the victims’ release and praised the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for the operation, which led to the rescue of the victims, the neutralisation of some terrorists and the arrest of eight suspects.
MURIC noted that while President Tinubu had assured Nigerians that justice would be served, the promise should be backed by a speedy, transparent and credible legal process.
According to the group, delayed justice weakens public confidence in the criminal justice system and emboldens those engaged in violent crimes.
The organisation also rejected attempts to link terrorism with Islam, stressing that the religion strongly condemns kidnapping, murder, terrorism and all acts that spread fear among innocent citizens.
Quoting Qur’an 5:33, Agunbiade said Islam treats violent crimes such as terrorism and armed banditry with utmost seriousness because its primary objective is to protect lives, property and public safety.
“It is therefore wrong to associate terrorism with Islam. The religion forbids even frightening another person without cause, let alone abducting schoolchildren, murdering innocent citizens and traumatising families,” the statement said.
MURIC urged the Federal Government to ensure that the suspects arrested in connection with the Oriire attack are prosecuted without delay, maintaining that swift and fair justice would serve as a deterrent to others contemplating similar crimes.
The group added that while the successful rescue operation had restored hope among Nigerians, bringing the perpetrators to justice would further strengthen national security and reinforce public confidence in the country’s fight against terrorism.
