Security is not the government’s sole responsibility, Islamic cleric says to Oyo residents

Sheikh Abdul‑Mu’min Shehu Usman, the first Muqaddamul Wai’zeen of Oyo State and Chief Imam of Kere in Ogbomoso, urged all Imams, Islamic organisations, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and well‑meaning citizens of the state to unite in addressing insecurity.

Usman made the appeal in a statement released to DAILY POST on Thursday.

The cleric explained that security is not the sole responsibility of the government; it is a collective trust (amanah) that requires the cooperation and vigilance of every member of society.

He condemned the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims.

Usman urged Muslims to dedicate at least two minutes after every obligatory prayer to pray for the safety and swift release of all teachers, pupils and other innocent persons in captivity.

He added that parents and community leaders should strengthen cooperation with schools and relevant authorities on safety matters, and that young people should channel their energy into education, skill acquisition, community development and peace‑building initiatives.

“Accordingly, we call upon all Imams, Islamic organisations, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and all well‑meaning citizens of Oyo State to unite in confronting the challenges of insecurity. Security is not the responsibility of government alone; it is a collective trust (amanah) that requires the cooperation and vigilance of every member of society,” he said.

“Islam is a religion of peace, justice, mercy, and human dignity. Corruption, banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality constitute manifestations of fasād fi al-arḍ (mischief and corruption on earth), which Islam strongly condemns. Genuine peace can only flourish where justice prevails, truth is upheld, and the sanctity of human life is respected.”

“We therefore urge all Muslims to become ambassadors of peace in their homes, schools, marketplaces, places of worship, roads, and online platforms. Let our words promote harmony, our actions reflect compassion, and our conduct embody the noble teachings of Islam.”

“We strongly demand the immediate and unconditional release of all teachers and pupils currently held in captivity. We call upon security agencies at all levels to intensify their efforts toward securing their freedom and restoring confidence in our educational institutions. We also call upon the captors to fear Allah and desist from actions that violate the sanctity of innocent lives.”

In his appeal, Usman reiterated: “All Muslims should dedicate at least two minutes after every obligatory prayer to supplicate for the safety and swift release of all teachers, pupils, and other innocent persons in captivity. Parents and community leaders should strengthen cooperation with schools and relevant authorities on matters relating to safety and security. Young people should channel their energy into education, skill acquisition, community development, and peace‑building initiatives. Members of the public should verify information before sharing it, especially on social media, as misinformation can endanger lives and undermine security efforts.”

He concluded by calling on religious and traditional leaders to continue promoting unity, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence among all members of society. “We pray to Allah Almighty to protect our communities, preserve our schools, safeguard our scholars, teachers, and students, and grant lasting peace and security throughout Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.”

“O Allah, improve the condition of the Muslims, grant them security and peace, protect our scholars, teachers, and students, free those in captivity, and establish justice and tranquility in our land. Āmīn.”