Sharia: Terrorism, kidnapping grave sin in Islam – NACOMYO

National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Oyo State Chapter, has condemned the reported demand by kidnappers for the implementation of Sharia law as a condition for the release of abducted students and teachers in Oyo, describing the claim as deceptive and contrary to Islamic teachings.

NACOMYO stated that terrorism, kidnapping, murder, and the intimidation of innocent citizens are grave sins in Islam and have no place within the principles and objectives of Sharia law.

The council made its position known in a statement issued by its Oyo State Coordinator, Dawood Afolabi, while reacting to reports that abductors of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area allegedly demanded the enforcement of Sharia law before releasing their captives.

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According to reports, 39 students and seven teachers were kidnapped from communities in the local government area last month. A rumour later emerged claiming that the abductors had linked the release of the victims to the implementation of Sharia law.

Reacting to the development, Afolabi said those responsible for the abduction lacked the religious, moral, and legal authority to speak on behalf of Islam or Nigerian Muslims.

He maintained that terrorism, kidnapping, murder, and other acts that spread fear and insecurity directly contradict the values of Islam and the objectives of Sharia law.

“The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Oyo State Chapter, strongly condemns the reported demand by terrorists seeking the implementation of Sharia Law as a condition for the release of abducted students and teachers,” the statement read.

“The perpetrators of these heinous acts have no religious, moral, or legal authority to speak on behalf of Islam or Nigerian Muslims. Terrorism, kidnapping, murder, and the intimidation of innocent people are grave sins in Islam and stand in direct opposition to the objectives and values of Sharia Law.

“Those who abduct innocent students and teachers and seek to negotiate with human lives in the name of Sharia are enemies of the very law they claim to advocate. Islam unequivocally denounces oppression and transgression.”

Afolabi further noted that Islamic jurisprudence classifies crimes such as terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and actions that spread fear among the public as some of the gravest offences because they threaten public safety and social order.

He added that such crimes attract severe punishments through established legal processes aimed at protecting society, ensuring justice for victims, and deterring criminal activities.

The NACOMYO coordinator also called on governments at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance security around schools and other vulnerable institutions.

He urged security agencies to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the abductions and their collaborators, while appealing to religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and the media to continue promoting peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony.

According to him, criminals must not be allowed to exploit religion as a tool for violence, division, or intimidation.