Oyo School Abductions Spark Outrage from Al-Mu’minaat
The Muslim women’s group says the protection of children must remain a priority for government and security agencies
By Abdullahi Yusuf
A prominent Muslim women’s organisation in Nigeria has condemned the abduction of school staff and pupils in Oyo State, describing the incident as “disturbing, painful and unacceptable,” and urging authorities to intensify efforts to secure their immediate release.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, Al-Mu’minaat Organisation, through its National Amirah, Hajiah Jelilah Abdulhameed, said the repeated targeting of schools and children reflects a deepening security crisis that demands urgent and sustained government response.
The group said it was deeply troubled that “innocent teachers and their learners” could be subjected to such trauma in a country that “prides itself as the giant of Africa,” adding that the safety of citizens remains the most fundamental responsibility of the state.
“It is highly disturbing and unacceptable that innocent teachers and their learners are subjected to such torture and abuse in this nation that prides itself as a giant of Africa,” the statement read.
The abductions in Oyo State come amid wider concerns over sporadic attacks on schools and rural communities in parts of Nigeria in recent years, raising renewed questions about the adequacy of protection for vulnerable populations, particularly children and educators.
Al-Mu’minaat stressed that the protection of children is not only a governmental duty but a shared moral obligation involving families, communities and institutions. It warned that the latest incidents risk undermining public confidence and deepening fear among parents and school communities.
“The recent incidents are painful, alarming and unacceptable, as they threaten the peace, security and emotional well-being of families and communities,” the organisation said.
Drawing on Islamic teachings, the group condemned all forms of violence against innocent people, particularly children, describing such acts as contrary to both religious injunctions and universal ethical principles.
It cited Qur’anic passages emphasising the sanctity of human life, including Chapter 5 verse 32, and Chapter 6 verse 151, as well as a saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect to our elders.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
The organisation said kidnapping and attacks on schools constitute “criminal and inhumane” acts that violate both Islamic principles and basic human rights.
It called on security agencies to intensify search-and-rescue operations aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted pupils and staff, and urged governments at federal and state levels to strengthen child protection systems and improve community security architecture.
With political activities gradually increasing ahead of the 2027 general elections, the group also cautioned that governance priorities must not shift away from security and public safety.
It further appealed to parents, schools, religious leaders and community stakeholders to remain vigilant, educate children on safety awareness, and cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious movements or activities.
Al-Mu’minaat concluded its statement with prayers for the safe return of the abductees and comfort for affected families, asking for divine intervention to restore peace across affected communities.
“May Allah protect our society from every form of evil and injustice. Amin,” the statement added.
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