12/07/2026
25th Muharram 1448 AH
Saturday, 11th July 2026
From the Office of the Amir, MSSNLagos
MSSNLAGOS WELCOMES SAFE RESCUE OF ABDUCTED PUPILS AND TEACHERS IN OYO STATE
The Amir of the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, expresses profound gratitude and relief at the safe rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Their safe return is a beacon of hope for their families and the entire community, bringing comfort after weeks of anxiety and uncertainty.
We commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to strengthening security across our nation. His leadership during these challenging times has been instrumental in facilitating this successful rescue operation.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the courageous personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and all other security agencies involved in the operation. Their professionalism, sacrifice, and collaborative efforts made this rescue possible, demonstrating the power of unity in the face of adversity.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Government and people of Oyo State, particularly the Ogbomoso community, and the families who endured this traumatic experience. The safe return of their loved ones rekindles hope and strengthens confidence in our collective capacity to confront and overcome the security challenges facing our nation.
As we celebrate this positive development, we urge all Nigerians to continue praying for the safety and well-being of our citizens and to support every lawful effort aimed at building a more secure and peaceful society.
While we rejoice over this successful rescue, it is equally imperative to address the menace of violent criminality, particularly kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism, with firmness and justice.
From an Islamic perspective, the following principles underscore the necessity of ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes face the full weight of the law:
Protection of Society
Islam places great emphasis on the preservation of life, property, honour, and human dignity. Those who engage in kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes constitute a direct threat to these sacred rights.
Allah says:
"And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right..." (Qur'an 17:33)
Upholding justice is essential to safeguarding society and preserving public security.
Deterrence of Crime
Islamic law recognizes that proportionate punishment serves as a deterrent against crime. Ensuring that violent criminals are held accountable discourages others from engaging in similar acts and contributes to the maintenance of law, order, and public safety.
Justice must be served not only for the victims but also for the protection of society at large. While Islam encourages repentance and reformation, those guilty of violent crimes against innocent people must first be subjected to due process and the appropriate sanctions prescribed by law.
As mentioned in our inaugural press briefing, MSSNLagos believes that Nigeria must move beyond condemnation towards decisive and sustainable solutions.
We therefore recommend the following:
1. Establishment of Special Anti-Kidnapping, Terrorism and Banditry Courts.
2.Fast-track prosecution of arrested suspects.
3.Stronger collaboration between Federal, state and local security structures.
4.Increased deployment of technology-driven security systems.
5. Enhanced protection of schools, campuses and student communities.
6.Greater investment in youth employment and economic opportunities.
7.Imposition of the maximum penalties provided by law, including capital punishment where legally applicable, for convicted kidnappers, terrorists and bandits whose actions result in loss of life and widespread terror.
Nigeria cannot develop in an atmosphere of fear. Security must remain a national priority, and all stakeholders must work collectively to restore public confidence and safeguard lives and property.
Signed:
Dr. Ajibola Yusuf Salami
Amir, MSSN Lagos
Phone: 08173291878
Email: [email protected]
Address: 4th Floor, 161 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, Lagos.
Website: www.mssnlagos.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LagosMSSN
X: www.x.com/MSSNLagos
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) is the meeting point for all Muslim students in secondary schools, technical schools and higher institutions. The society is the largest spread of students’ society (religious or otherwise) in Nigeria. The establishment of the MSSN is geared towards...
