The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has sought divine intervention in the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire local government area of Oyo State.
The group said it had commenced special prayers, supplications and spiritual engagements throughout Yorubaland, seeking Allah’s intervention for the restoration of peace, security and harmony that have historically characterised the region.
The league, in a press statement it issued yesterday Ibadan, in a reaction to the recent cases of abduction in Oyo State and other parts of the country, expressed deep concern and sadness over the wave of insecurity in some parts of Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.
It urged all mosques, Islamic organisations, traditional institutions, community leaders and the citizens to ensure vigilance, unity and cooperation with lawful authorities.
The clerics enjoined security agencies to, without wasting more time, intensify efforts to secure 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 those criminal elements who were fueling kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robberies and other criminal activities in the country.
The statement was signed by the President of the league 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, and Chief Imam of Osun State, Sheikh Musa Rabiu Animasahun.
Others were 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 Imam and Alfas in Yoruba Land, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat.
The league added that it was particularly disturbed by the abduction of pupils and teachers in some communities in Oriire local government area of Oyo State.
The league said that such criminal acts against innocent children, educators, and law-abiding citizens were 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 used the opportunity to appeal to security agencies at all levels to intensify their efforts towards securing lives and properties of all Nigerians.