Muslim Women Group Condemns Insecurity, Demands Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils and Teachers
The Criterion (Al-Furqaan), an association of Muslim women in business and the professions across Nigeria, has condemned the worsening security situation in the country and called for the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
In a statement issued on behalf of the organisation, the International Ameerah of The Criterion, Hajia Shakirat Omolara Shekoni, expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of the victims and sympathised with their families.
The group said it stood in solidarity with the parents and relatives of the abducted children and teachers, describing their ordeal as painful and traumatic.
“As mothers, professionals and women of faith, we feel the agonising pain of parents whose children have been forcefully taken, and we demand immediate and decisive action to ensure their safe return,” Shekoni stated.
She lamented that nearly three weeks after the abduction, the victims were still being held captive, stressing that every moment spent in the hands of their abductors posed grave risks to their safety and well-being.
“It is unacceptable that in this day and age, our schools have become hunting grounds for terrorists. Our children went to seek knowledge, not to become bargaining chips for criminals,” she said.
“We are deeply pained that 19 days later, these innocent schoolchildren remain in captivity. The government must rise to the occasion and ensure that this tragic incident is reversed. One day in the hands of terrorists is a day too long.”
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The Criterion urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and adopt more proactive measures in tackling insecurity, particularly attacks targeting educational institutions.
According to the group, the recurring abduction of students and teachers threatens access to education and undermines public confidence in the safety of schools.
“The right to education must not be traded for fear. Schools must remain safe havens for learning, not zones of terror,” the statement added.
The organisation also called for a comprehensive review of the country’s security architecture to prevent future attacks and protect vulnerable communities from criminal elements.
Drawing from Islamic teachings, the group reminded political leaders of their moral and constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property, stressing that the protection of human life remains a sacred duty.
Citing Qur’an 5:32, Shekoni noted that saving a single life was equivalent to saving all humanity, while taking a life unjustly amounted to harming all humanity.
She therefore urged federal, state and local government authorities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abducted victims and addressing the broader security challenges confronting the nation.
The Criterion also called on Muslims and other Nigerians to continue praying for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, as well as lasting peace and security across the country.Caption: International Ameerah of The Criterion (Al-Furqaan), Hajia Shakirat Omolara Shekoni, speaking on the need for urgent action to rescue abducted pupils and teachers and strengthen security across Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
