Sheikh Abdul-Mu’min Shehu Usman, the inaugural Muqaddamul Wai’zeen of Oyo State, has urged a broad coalition of traditional leaders, Imams, youth groups, and local citizens to join forces in addressing rising insecurity. Speaking on Thursday, the Ogbomoso-based Chief Imam of Kere emphasized that public safety is a collective obligation rather than a task reserved exclusively for the state government.
Highlighting the recent kidnapping of students and teachers in the Oriire local government area, Usman condemned these criminal acts and urged law enforcement to increase their efforts to secure the release of the victims. He described such violence as a form of corruption on earth, which is strictly prohibited by Islamic principles.
The cleric encouraged followers to set aside two minutes following every mandatory prayer to offer supplications for the safe return of those currently in captivity. Furthermore, he advised residents to vet information before spreading it online and asked parents to maintain closer coordination with school administrators. He concluded by calling upon the youth to focus their potential on constructive pursuits such as vocational training and community development.
