The Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria, MULAN, Oyo State Branch, has urged all tiers of government to rise above political considerations and demonstrate genuine commitment towards ending the worsening insecurity in the country.
MULAN made the call while condemning the recent wave of kidnappings and violent attacks in Oyo State, including the abduction of pupils and teachers in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, as well as the kidnapping of officials of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, CRIN, and other residents within Ibadan and its environs.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Ismaila Akorede Saka, and the Publicity Secretary, Idrees Oluwatosin Openiyi, MULAN described the attacks as disturbing signs of the growing spread of insecurity into schools, research institutions, highways and communities across the state.
The association expressed particular outrage over the reported murder of Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher who was among the abducted victims, describing the killing as barbaric, reprehensible and an assault on humanity and education.
MULAN stated that kidnapping, terrorism, murder and intimidation of innocent people remain grave sins which have no place in Islam or any civilised society, stressing that the Holy Qur’an upholds the sanctity of human life and condemns unlawful killing.
MULAN noted that the security of lives and property remains the primary constitutional responsibility of government, warning that the recurring incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks indicate the urgent need for coordinated and decisive action by authorities.
The association stated that government must move beyond routine condemnations and political rhetoric by demonstrating sincere political will and strategic commitment towards combating insecurity in all its forms.
According to the statement, no meaningful development can take place in an environment where schools become targets of criminal attacks and citizens live in constant fear and uncertainty.
MULAN also warned that the growing boldness of criminal elements within rural and urban communities poses serious threats to education, agricultural research, economic activities and public confidence in government institutions.
The association called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations to secure the immediate and safe release of the remaining abducted pupils, teachers and other victims still in captivity.
It further advocated the deployment of additional security personnel to vulnerable communities, establishment of permanent security posts around schools and research institutions, improved intelligence gathering, installation of surveillance infrastructure and stronger collaboration among security agencies, local hunters, Amotekun Corps, vigilante groups and traditional institutions.
MULAN also recommended stricter enforcement of existing anti-kidnapping laws and called for speedy prosecution of perpetrators and their collaborators.
The association extended condolences to the family of late Mr. Oyedokun, the affected schools, abducted victims, officials of CRIN and the people of Oriire Local Government Area and Oyo State at large, while praying for the safe release of those still in captivity.
