The Chief Imam of Uromi and President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta Chapter, Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, has been abducted by unidentified gunmen in Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The abduction occurred around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Angle 90 area of Uromi. Eyewitnesses said the Islamic cleric was taken shortly after observing one of the daily prayers. He was reportedly on his way to buy food for his family when he was seized near his residence.
Confirming the development, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, condemned the incident in strong terms, describing it as “inglorious and unacceptable.” He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the cleric.
“I understand they are asking for a very large amount of money, and we simply do not have that. Even if we did, paying ransom only perpetuates this wickedness,” Igbinidu stated.
He called on the Edo State Government to rise to the occasion and ensure the safety of citizens. “The government holds the security infrastructure. It must act swiftly to guarantee the Imam’s release and restore public confidence. People deserve to sleep with both eyes closed.”
A family source disclosed that the abductors have contacted them, demanding a ransom of N30 million.
The incident has caused considerable alarm within Edo’s Muslim community, especially given Sheikh Muhammad’s respected position as both a spiritual leader and youth advocate.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Edo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, did not respond to multiple calls and messages as of press time.