Gunmen have kidnapped the Chief Imam of Uromi, Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, in Edo State, and are demanding N30 million ransom from his family.
The cleric, who is also the President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Edo-Delta Chapter, was abducted on Sunday around 2 p.m. in the Angle 90 area of Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses said the cleric had just finished observing one of the daily prayers and stepped out to buy food for his family when the attackers grabbed him near his house.
Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, confirmed the incident. He condemned the act, calling it inglorious and unacceptable.
“I am hearing that they are asking for a very big amount of money and we don’t have such,” Igbinidu said. “Even if you have, if you do such a thing, you are encouraging them.”
He called on the state government to step up efforts to protect lives and ensure the cleric is freed without harm.
“They are the ones that have the apparatus for security. They should do everything possible to ensure the Imam is released unconditionally and without harm,” he said.
He also urged the government to guarantee citizens’ safety so that people can sleep with their eyes closed and move freely without fear of kidnapping or assassination.
A family source confirmed that the kidnappers have contacted them, demanding N30 million before the cleric can be freed.
The abduction has caused fear among the Muslim community in Edo, as Sheikh Muhammad is not just a respected religious leader but also known for promoting youth development.
Attempts to get a statement from the Edo Police Command failed as the spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, did not respond to calls or text messages.
