The Muslim community in Oyo State has strongly condemned the Sharia-related demands reportedly made by terrorists holding teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that the criminals do not represent Islam or the Muslim faithful.
The position comes as public and private schools across all 33 local government areas of the state shut down in solidarity with the abducted victims and to demand their immediate release.
Security analysts who spoke with Frontline Reporters offered varying perspectives on how the Federal Government should respond to the terrorists’ conditions for releasing the captives.
The abductors, who attacked three schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, are said to have demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related laws before freeing the victims.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Sanvni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, the Muslim community described the demands as criminal, misguided and contrary to the teachings of Islam.
According to the group, attempts by the kidnappers to cloak their actions in religious language amount to a gross distortion of Islamic principles.
“Islam forbids kidnapping, terrorism and the extortion of innocent citizens. Genuine Sharia promotes justice, peace and the sanctity of human life, values that are fundamentally opposed to the actions of criminal groups,” the statement read.
The group stressed that terrorists cannot claim to speak for Muslims or Islam.
“Terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot speak on behalf of Muslims,” it added.
Citing Chapter 5 Verse 32 of the Holy Qur’an, the community emphasised the importance Islam places on the protection of human life and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity.
The statement comes amid growing anxiety over the fate of the abducted teachers and pupils.
The Eleshi of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, appealed to government authorities to urgently intervene and secure the victims’ freedom.
“We are aware of the terrorists’ ransom demands, but we are helpless. We are looking up to the government and pleading for intervention,” the monarch said.
Schools Shut Across 33 LGAs
Investigations by Frontline Reporters revealed that private school operators directed all schools to close from Friday, June 5, in solidarity with the abducted victims and to draw attention to the worsening security situation.
One internal memo obtained in Ibadan stated: “Due to the situation at hand and the ongoing protest in the state, all pupils and students should stay at home until further notice.”
Similarly, a message circulated by the Ibadan District Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Joshua Olaoluwa, urged member schools to suspend academic activities for prayers and solidarity with the victims.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State, Fatai Hassan, had earlier announced that all public primary and secondary schools would remain closed until the abducted teachers and pupils regain their freedom.
Speaking with Frontline Reporters, the chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association of one of the affected schools, who requested anonymity, said the decision to close schools was unavoidable despite ongoing examinations.
“We had to consider students writing their terminal examinations. Otherwise, we would have joined the protest earlier. Eventually, we shut down the school on Wednesday,” he said.
Terrorist Commanders Sought for Release
Sources told Frontline Reporters that two of the terrorist leaders whose release is being demanded are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, popularly known as Mallam Mamuda.
The duo are believed to be senior figures in Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (Ansaru), a splinter faction of Boko Haram.
They were reportedly arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja in a case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/464/2025.
The trial commenced on January 15, 2026, before Justice Emeka Nwite.
A senior security official involved in the prosecution defended their continued detention, saying, “Nigeria operates under the rule of law. We have a justice system and due process must be followed.”
FG Faces Difficult Choices
A retired Brigadier-General and former Commandant of the Amotekun Corps in Osun State, Bashir Adewinbi, said the government faces a difficult dilemma in deciding how to respond to the terrorists’ demands.
He warned that paying ransom or making concessions could strengthen terrorist networks and encourage future kidnappings.
“Anytime you give terrorists cash, you are creating more insecurity because you are empowering them. They will use the money to recruit more fighters and expand their operations,” he said.
Another retired military officer, Brigadier-General Peter Aro, argued that the government’s immediate priority should be obtaining proof that the abductees are still alive before making any decisions.
He also warned that prolonged captivity could pose serious risks to young children exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
Experts Divided on Negotiation Strategy
Security experts expressed differing views on whether government should negotiate with the terrorists.
Executive Director of the Foundation for Peace Professionals, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, urged authorities to maintain a firm non-negotiation policy, warning that yielding to terrorist demands would only encourage future attacks.
“Terrorist groups use kidnapping, propaganda and fear to extract political and financial concessions. Giving in to such demands creates a dangerous precedent,” he said.
However, security analyst Ayo Adegbenro described the situation as complex, noting that successful negotiations may save lives in the short term but could also incentivise future abductions.
Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, Kabiru Adamu, called for a comprehensive risk assessment before any decision is taken.
“The consequences of either accepting or rejecting the demands must be carefully evaluated. The release of terrorist commanders, in particular, carries serious implications for national security,” he said.
Former Department of State Services officer Akin Adeyi also advised government to adopt a balanced approach, combining sustained rescue efforts with strategic pressure on the terrorists.
Oyo Government Maintains Silence
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has declined to comment on any ongoing negotiations with the abductors.
The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, told Frontline Reporters that revealing government strategy at this stage could undermine efforts to secure the release of the victims.
“It would be unfair to the process and to the victims for us to discuss what is happening behind the scenes. The important thing is achieving the best possible outcome,” he said.
As anxiety grows among families and communities, calls are mounting for swift and decisive action to secure the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils while preventing further attacks on schools across the country.
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