CHIEF IMAM OF UROMI, SHEIKH MURTADHO MUHAMMAD, KIDNAPPED IN EDO STATE
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Agency Report
Tension has gripped the Muslim community in Edo State following the abduction of Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, the Chief Imam of Uromi and President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta Chapter.
The Islamic cleric was reportedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen at about 2 p.m. on Sunday near his residence in the Angle 90 area of Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses said Sheikh Murtadho had just observed one of the daily prayers and had stepped out to purchase food for his family when he was seized by his abductors.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with the Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, describing the abduction as “inglorious and unacceptable.”
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Igbinidu called for the immediate and unconditional release of the Islamic leader, noting the outrageous ransom demands allegedly made by the kidnappers.
“I am hearing that they are asking for a very big amount of money N30 million and we don’t have such,” he stated. “Even if you have, if you do such a thing, you are encouraging them.”
He further urged the Edo State Government to rise to the occasion by ensuring the safety and freedom of all citizens in the state.
“They are the ones that have the apparatus for security. So they should do everything possible to ensure that the Imam is released unconditionally and without harm,” Igbinidu said. “Government should also put up all efforts to ensure that the citizens are able to sleep well with their two eyes closed and work freely without fear of kidnapping or assassination.”
A family source confirmed that the suspected kidnappers had reached out with a ransom demand of ₦30 million.
Efforts to reach the Edo State Police Command for official confirmation have so far been unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, went unanswered.
The abduction of Sheikh Murtadho, a revered religious leader and passionate advocate for youth empowerment, has heightened concerns over the growing insecurity in the state and the vulnerability of high-profile community figures.
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