Ogun Muslim Clerics Call on Federal Government to Address and Eliminate Insecurity

Muslim clerics in Ogun State, organized under the Progressive Muslim Cleric (PMC) group, have urged the federal government to urgently address and eliminate the insecurity that currently threatens the nation.

Abdul Wasiu Akinyemi, president of PMC, delivered the appeal on Tuesday in Abeokuta during a press conference held to mark the 1448 Hegira celebration.

The Islamic scholar called on the federal government to do more to restore normalcy for Nigerians.

Akinyemi dismissed claims that insecurity is linked to a single ethnic group, arguing that kidnapping and terrorism have long predated current hotspots. He cited the 2010 Eagle Square bombing during President Jonathan’s administration as evidence that the threat has never been regional.

“Evidence abounds that this is not actually tied to a single tribe. Even if we are talking about kidnapping, you can trace its origin. It didn’t start from where it is most prominent now. We all know where kidnapping started from, even at the height of terrorism. So, from there, it moved on to some other parts of the country. Similarly, to the adherence of any faith, either Islam, Christianity, traditional, men and women, when they are caught, we see them on TV,” he said.

“We read them on newspapers that this is Chinedu and Adamu that have gone to kidnap. Even some southerners will even change their names to a northern name, but it is only when they are caught that we realise. So this goes to tell us that we are kidding ourselves thinking that it’s just a tribe that is perpetrating this evil.”

On punishment, he explained that Shariah prescribes strict penalties for bandits, terrorists and kidnappers based on the gravity of their offences. “In Islam, there is a standard for everything. Shariah talks about how to deal with someone apprehended as a bandit, a terrorist or a kidnapper. Kidnappers, terrorists, what do they do mostly? They kill. An eye for an eye… If you cut the right hand, cut the left leg as well. The third one is banishment, but it is interpreted as life imprisonment,” he explained.

The scholar stressed that Nigeria is a secular state and that the government must balance constitutional provisions with religious perspectives from both Islam and Christianity to address crime effectively. “Nigeria is a secular state, and I am talking as a Muslim scholar. The federal government will have to balance the two. The constitution, what does Islam say, what does Christianity say and arrive at a point,” he said.

He added that the onus is on the federal government to tackle, uproot, and eliminate insecurity so that Nigerians can live normal lives. “They should do more,” he urged.

Daily Post reports that the 1448 Hegira celebration is themed “Voices in Myriad Pathways: From Migration to Civic Action.”

Speaking on the significance of Hijrah, Akinyemi said the migration of Prophet Muhammad symbolised hope, resilience and transformation. He noted that early Muslims overcame severe hardship through faith, wisdom and collective effort, laying the foundation for a great civilisation.

According to him, the spirit of Hijrah calls for a shift from conflict to peace, corruption to integrity, and poverty to prosperity. He added that the new Islamic year should mark a period of spiritual renewal, economic progress and sustainable national development for the country.