Oyo Muslim Leaders Unite in Prayer to Combat Insecurity

In a bid to address the rising cases of banditry, kidnappings, and other criminal activities in Oyo State, the Muslim Community of Oyo State convened a prayer session at the Yidi Praying ground, Agodi, in Ibadan. The event, which was attended by clerics, community leaders, and faithful from across the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland, was convened with the permission of the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere. The prayer session was held amidst the recent abduction of over 40 teachers and students at Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, as well as the kidnapping of Mrs Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons at Elewura-Challenge in Ibadan South West Local Government Area. The guest lecturer, Muyideen Onihantu, emphasized the importance of unity among Nigerians, stating that 'the essence of the prayer is to seek God's face over the insecurity that has robbed citizens of peace of mind.' Onihantu also stressed that for prayers to be accepted, the people must be united, have faith in their Maker, support government efforts, and shun partisanship. The Chief Imam of Sabo, Ibrahim Abdullahi, expressed gratitude for the meeting and urged the government to do more to secure the quick release of the abducted students and teachers. The state Secretary-General of the Muslim Community, Abidemi Siyanbade, disclosed that reports indicated that children were among the abductees undergoing harsh conditions in captivity, with some adults too frail to withstand the ordeal. Siyanbade maintained that security is the responsibility of everybody and urged citizens not to keep silent when they see strangers or suspicious movements in their communities. The National President of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Mustafa Olumide, advised the government to overhaul the nation's security architecture to match the mandate of protecting lives and property. Olumide warned that if kidnappings were not halted, school enrolment would drop as parents were already withdrawing their wards from schools, particularly after the Oyo incident. The prayer session was attended by dignitaries including Rasheed Olawoore, Tajudeen Mustapha, Mas'ud Akintola, Bashir Elesinmeta, and Sheikh Sa'adudeen Adekilekun.