Kidnapping of Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad Sparks Outrage and Calls for Enhanced Security in Edo State

Strategic Insights -

Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, the Chief Imam of Uromi and President of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta Chapter, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen, sparking widespread concern among the Muslim community in Edo State. The incident occurred on Thursday at around 2 p.m. in the Angle 90 area of Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, when Muhammad stepped out to buy food for his family. Eyewitness accounts reveal that he was forcefully taken away. The kidnappers have contacted Muhammad's family and are demanding a ransom of N30 million.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, a revered religious leader and youth development advocate, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Uromi, Edo State, on Thursday at around 2 p.m.
  • The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N30 million, according to a family source.
  • The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the report and is working to rescue Muhammad and track down the culprits.
  • The chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned the act and called for the immediate release of the Imam.
  • The Edo State government has been urged to intensify efforts to protect ordinary citizens and ensure the Imam's safe release.

Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has condemned the kidnapping and called for the immediate release of Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad. He emphasized the need for the Edo State government to take responsibility for ensuring the security of citizens and prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in Edo State, particularly in relation to the protection of civilians. The kidnappers' demand for a ransom of N30 million has also sparked outrage among the Muslim community, who see this as an attempt to extort money from the family.

Statistics:

  • N30 million: The ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
  • 2 p.m.: The time when Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad was kidnapped.
  • 10/7/2025: The date when the Edo State Police Command confirmed the report.
  • 1: The number of alleged incidents of kidnapping in Edo State in recent weeks.

Sources:

  • Nigerian Tribune (no date mentioned)
  • Family source (no date mentioned)
  • Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) (no date mentioned)
  • Edo State Police Command (no date mentioned)