Intensify efforts to secure Nigerians, arrest criminal elements – Islamic clerics to security agencies 

Islamic clerics of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land have urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, regardless of sex, age, tribe or religion.

The league also called for the arrest and prosecution of criminal elements responsible for kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robberies and other illicit activities across the country.

The appeal was issued in a press statement in response to recent abductions in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria.

A statement signed by the league’s president and Chief Imam of Ekiti State, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, expressed concern over the growing insecurity in Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

In the statement released on Thursday, the league said it was alarmed by the abduction of pupils and teachers in communities within Oriire local government area of Oyo State.

The league condemned these criminal acts against innocent children, educators and law‑abiding citizens as unacceptable, condemnable and contrary to Islamic teachings, which hold human life, security and social harmony in high regard.

While urging security agencies at all levels to intensify their efforts, the league also tasked them with ensuring that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice without delay.

The league appealed to parents, teachers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to remain alert and continue supporting efforts to protect schools, communities and public institutions.

The statement reads: “The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, headquartered 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. We are particularly disturbed by the recent abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in some schools 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.”

“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 characterised our region. We urge all mosques, Islamic organisations, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens to join hands in promoting vigilance, unity and cooperation with lawful authorities.”

“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.”