The Muslim community in Oyo State has strongly condemned the Sharia-related demands reportedly made by terrorists holding abducted teachers and pupils from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that the criminals do not represent Islam or the Muslim faithful.

The condemnation came amid growing tension across the state as public and private schools in all 33 local government areas reportedly shut down in solidarity with the kidnapped victims.

The abductors had attacked three schools in the Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, abducting several teachers and pupils during coordinated assaults that shocked residents of the state.

According to reports, the terrorists demanded the release of detained commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law before the captives would be released.

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In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Sanvni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, the Muslim community in Oyo State distanced Islam from the kidnappers’ actions.

The group described the demands as criminal, insisting that Islam forbids kidnapping, terrorism and extortion.

“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 read.

The organisation further stressed that terrorists could not claim to speak for Muslims or Islamic values.

“Terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot speak for Muslims,” it added.

The group also quoted Chapter 5 Verse 32 of the Holy Qur’an while urging security agencies to intensify rescue efforts for those still in captivity.

The worsening security concerns forced many schools across Oyo State to suspend academic activities.

Private school managements reportedly issued notices directing students and pupils to remain at home until further notice.

One internal memo circulated among schools 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, the Ibadan District Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Joshua Olaoluwa, directed member schools to close temporarily as a mark of solidarity and for prayers for the victims.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State had also earlier announced the closure of public schools until the abducted pupils and teachers regain freedom.

Investigations reportedly revealed that two of the terrorist commanders being demanded by the abductors are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri.

The duo are alleged leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (JAMBS/Ansaru), a breakaway 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.

Security analysts who spoke on the development expressed differing opinions on whether the government should negotiate with the terrorists.

While some experts warned against paying ransom or releasing detained terrorists, others argued that government must first confirm the safety of the abducted children before deciding on the next course of action.

Retired military officers and security experts also warned that yielding to the demands could embolden other criminal groups to carry out similar attacks in future.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has remained silent on the details of any negotiation strategy, insisting that discussing operational steps publicly could jeopardise rescue efforts.