Islamic clerics under the auspices of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land have enjoined security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the lives and properties of all Nigerians irrespective of their sex, age, tribe or religion.
The league also appealed to security agencies to arrest and prosecute all criminal elements who are fueling kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robberies and other criminal activities in the country.
The league made the call in a press statement issued in reaction to the recent abductions in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
A statement signed by the President of the league and Chief Imam of Ekiti State, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, on behalf of other clerics, expressed concern over the recent wave of insecurity in some parts of Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.
The league in the statement released on Thursday, said it was disturbed by the abduction of pupils and teachers in some communities in Oriire local government area of Oyo State.
The league said such criminal acts against innocent children, educators, and law-abiding citizens are unacceptable, condemnable, and contrary to the teachings of Islam and that Islam places great value on the sanctity of human life, security, and social harmony.
The league, while appealing to security agencies at all levels to intensify their efforts, also tasked them to ensure that perpetrators of the heinous crime are brought to justice without delay.
The league also appealed to parents, teachers, religious leaders, youth organisations, and community stakeholders to remain alert and continue supporting efforts aimed at protecting schools, communities, and public institutions.
The statement reads “The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, with its headquarters 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. Particularly disturbed by the recent abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in some schools in some communities 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 characterized our region. We urge all Mosques, Islamic organizations, 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”.
