Southwestern Imams Urge Security Agencies to Protect Nigerians

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland called on security agencies yesterday to strengthen protection for all Nigerians, regardless of sex, age, tribe, or religion.

It urged authorities to arrest and prosecute those it identified as criminal elements responsible for kidnappings, ritual killings, armed robberies, and other illicit activities across the country.

The league’s statement was issued in response to recent abductions in Oyo State and elsewhere.

Signed by the league’s leadership, the declaration lists the following figures: President and Chief Imam of Ekiti State, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere; Vice President and Chief Imam of Ogun State, Sheikh Saadullah Bamgbola; Life Grand Patron and Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere; Chief Imam of Osun State, Sheikh Musa Rabiu Animasahun; Chief Imam of Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede; Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division and Chairman Rabita, Lagos, Sheikh Seifudeen Oloworibi Ademoritan; Mudiru-l-Markaz and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory; Grand Mufti of Yoruba Land, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola; and Secretary‑General, League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat.

The league expressed deep concern and sorrow over the recent surge in insecurity affecting parts of Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. It specifically highlighted the abduction of pupils and teachers in communities within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

It condemned these acts against innocent children, educators, and law‑abiding citizens as unacceptable, reprehensible, and contrary to Islamic teachings, which emphasize the sanctity of human life, security, and social harmony.

In its appeal, the league urged security agencies at all levels to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property, ensuring that perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice promptly.

It also called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, youth organisations, and community stakeholders to remain vigilant and continue supporting initiatives that protect schools, communities, and public institutions.

Meanwhile, the league congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his third anniversary in office, praying for the president’s courage and strength to fulfil all electoral promises.

The statement read in part: “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 characterised our region. We urge all mosques, Islamic organisations, 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 organisations, and community stakeholders to remain on alert and continue supporting efforts aimed at protecting our schools, communities, and public institutions.”

“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.”