OYO STATE, Nigeria: The Muslim community in Nigeria’s Oyo State formally rejected Sharia-related demands made by terrorists holding abducted teachers and students on Friday, June 5, 2026.
Okay News reports that the abductors, who attacked three schools in the Esinele, Yawota, and Alawusa communities in the Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia law.
The joint statement was signed by the organisation’s Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Sanvni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade. “Islam forbids kidnapping, terrorism and the extortion of innocent citizens. Legitimate Sharia promotes justice, peace and the sanctity of human life, values that stand in direct opposition to the activities of criminal groups,” the statement said.
The document added, “Terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot speak for Muslims.”
The Eleshi of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, appealed for state assistance regarding the incident. “We are aware of the ransom demands of the terrorists, but we are helpless. We are looking up to the government and pleading for intervention,” he said.
Following the demands, the Ibadan District Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Joshua Olaoluwa, ordered the closure of private institutions. A message sent to school administrators read, “Good day, all school owners/administrators. Due to the recent kidnapping of teachers and students in Oriire LGA and rising security concerns, all NAPPS member schools in Ibadan District will be closed on Friday, June 5, 2026, as a mark of solidarity and for prayers for the victims’ safe release and the protection of all schools.”
Security officials identified two of the commanders requested for release as Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, leaders of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan. The suspects were arrested between May 2025 and July 2025 and are currently standing trial on terrorism charges before Justice Emeka Nwite at Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Oyo State Government declined to outline its strategy or confirm negotiations. Nigeria’s Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said, “It is unhelpful for us to state our strategy or what is transpiring now. It is unfair to the process; it is equally unfair to the victims and everyone concerned who wants the best possible outcome from this sad situation.
