The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has launched special prayers and spiritual engagements across the Southwest for the safe release of pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area, Oyo State.
The clerics, led by Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, condemned the abductions as contrary to Islam and charged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and prosecute kidnappers without delay.
In a statement on Thursday, the Imams expressed concern over the recent wave of insecurity in some parts of Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.
It was particularly disturbed by the abduction of pupils and teachers in some communities in Oriire local government area of Oyo State.
It said such criminal acts against innocent children, educators, and law-abiding citizens are unacceptable, condemnable, and contrary to the teachings of Islam.
It added that Islam places great value on the sanctity of human life, security, and social harmony.
The league also appealed to parents, teachers, religious leaders, youth organizations, and community stakeholders to remain alert and continue supporting efforts aimed at protecting our schools, communities, and public institutions.
The Imams congratulate President Bola Tinubu on the occasion of his third anniversary in the office and pray to God to give him the courage and strength to deliver all his electoral promises.
The statement reads in part: “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.
‘We equally call on parents, teachers, religious leaders, youth organizations, and community stakeholders to remain alert and continue supporting efforts aimed at protecting our schools, communities, and public institutions.
“The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land also uses this opportunity to congratulate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the third anniversary of his administration. We acknowledge that the nation has faced significant economic challenges arising from the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange instability, inflationary pressures, and other inherited structural difficulties.
“While these challenges have placed burdens on many Nigerians, we recognize the efforts of the Federal Government in pursuing reforms aimed at long-term national development and economic sustainability.
“We pray that Almighty Allah grants President Tinubu wisdom, strength, good health, and divine guidance in steering the affairs of our nation. We equally pray that his administration succeeds in overcoming current challenges and delivering greater prosperity, security, and stability to all Nigerians. “The Holy Qur’an reminds us: “And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’”(Surah Ta-Ha 20:114).
“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.
“We remain hopeful that with collective efforts, sincere leadership, effective security measures, and the mercy of Almighty Allah, Nigeria shall overcome its present difficulties and emerge stronger, safer, and more prosperous.
“May Allah restore lasting peace to every community in Yoruba Land and throughout Nigeria. May Allah protect our children, teachers, security personnel, and all citizens. May Allah bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
