Kidnapping of Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad Sparks Outrage and Calls for Release

Strategic Insights -

Chief Imam of Uromi and President of the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta Chapter, Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, was reportedly kidnapped by gunmen, sparking widespread concern among the Muslim community in Edo State. The incident occurred at about 2 p.m. yesterday at the Angle 90 area of Uromi, where Sheikh Murtadho was abducted shortly after observing one of the daily prayers. Eyewitnesses claim he was taken forcefully near his residence while buying food for his family. The abduction has been strongly condemned by the Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, who called for the immediate and unconditional release of the Islamic leader.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, the Chief Imam of Uromi and President of the MSSN, Edo-Delta Chapter, was kidnapped by gunmen on Thursday in Edo State.
  • The incident occurred at about 2 p.m. at the Angle 90 area of Uromi, with eyewitnesses claiming the cleric was taken forcefully near his residence.
  • The suspected kidnappers have reached out to the family, demanding a ransom of N30 million.
  • The Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the NSCIA, Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, has strongly condemned the abduction and called for the immediate release of Sheikh Murtadho.
  • The chairman also urged the Edo government to take action to protect citizens and provide security, saying "they should do everything possible to ensure that Imam is released unconditionally and without harm."
  • The Police Command in Edo has confirmed the incident and is reportedly working to rescue the victims and track down the culprits, with efforts ongoing since Thursday.

Statistics:

  • The ransom being demanded by the suspected kidnappers is N30 million.
  • The Police Command in Edo confirmed the incident on Thursday.
  • The efforts to rescue the victims and track down the culprits are ongoing.

Sources:

  • NAN (News Agency of Nigeria)
  • CSP Moses Yamu, Police Command spokesperson in Edo
  • Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the NSCIA