The chief imam of Uromi and president of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta chapter, Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, has reportedly been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

The incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Angle 90 area of Uromi, in Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo.

Witnesses said the Islamic cleric was abducted shortly after observing one of the daily prayers.

He had reportedly stepped out to buy food for his family when he was forcefully taken away near his residence.

Confirming the incident to journalists, the chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Abdulazeez Igbinidu, described the act as inglorious and unacceptable.

He strongly condemned the abduction and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the Islamic leader.

“I am hearing that they are asking for a very big amount of money, and we don’t have such.

“Even if you have, if you do such a thing, you are encouraging them,” he said.

The chairman called on the Edo government to measure up and do everything possible to protect the ordinary citizens.

“They are the ones that have the apparatus for security. So they should do everything possible to ensure Imam is released unconditionally and without harm.

“Government should also put up all efforts to ensure that the citizens are able to sleep well with their two eyes closed and work freely without fear of kidnapping or assassination,” he said.

A family source told journalists that the suspected kidnappers had since reached out, demanding a ransom of N30 million.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among the Muslim community in the state, considering the abductee’s dual role as both a revered religious leader and an advocate for youth development.

The Edo Police Command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident to journalists, said efforts were ongoing to rescue the victim.

“Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and track down the culprits,” he said. 

(NAN)