The condemnation followed reports that the abductors demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, ransom payments, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related laws as conditions for freeing their captives.
As anxiety deepened over the fate of the victims, schools across Oyo State’s 33 local government areas shut their gates in solidarity with the abducted teachers and pupils.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 after gunmen attacked three schools located in the Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities.
Reacting to the demands, the Muslim community, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Sanvni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, described the kidnappers’ actions as criminal and inconsistent with Islamic teachings.
The group said any attempt to cloak terrorism in religious language amounted to a misrepresentation of Islam.
“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 organisation further stressed that terrorists had no authority to claim representation of Muslims.
“Terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot speak for Muslims,” it stated.
Citing Chapter 5 Verse 32 of the Holy Qur’an, the group emphasised the importance Islam places on protecting human life and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of those in captivity.
Meanwhile, traditional authorities in the affected communities have appealed for urgent government intervention.
The Eleshi of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, said residents were powerless in the face of the kidnappers’ demands and called on authorities to act swiftly.
“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.
The abductions have triggered widespread reactions across the state’s education sector.
Findings showed that private schools received directives to suspend academic activities, while public schools also joined the shutdown pending the rescue of the victims.
One of the notices circulated among schools read, “Due to the situation at hand and the ongoing protest in the state, all pupils and students should stay at home until further notice. No school for now until further notice.”
Similarly, a message distributed by the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools directed member schools to close in solidarity with the abductees.
“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.
“If anyone tries to disrupt school activities before or after Friday, please record a video if it is safe to do so, report to the nearest police station, and inform your NAPPS LGA coordinator and the district office immediately.”
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State, Fatai Hassan, had earlier announced that public primary and secondary schools would remain closed until the abducted teachers and pupils were rescued alive.