Release Abducted Children, Teachers Before Eid, Oyo Grand Chief Imam Begs Captors
The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has issued an emotional appeal to those holding innocent children and their teachers in captivity, begging them to release the victims in the fear of Almighty Allah as the Muslim community prepares for the Eid al-Adha celebrations.
In a press release issued on Monday, the revered Islamic leader called on the abductors to reflect upon the boundless forgiveness and mercy of Allah, reminding them that no sin is beyond divine pardon when accompanied by sincere repentance..
Sheikh Akeugberu, whose message was steeped in compassion and the teachings of Islam, quoted extensively from the Glorious Qur’an to drive home his plea. He cited Surah Az-Zumar Verse 53, which reads: “Say: O My servants who have transgressed against their own souls, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”
The Grand Chief Imam also referenced Surah An-Nisa Verse 110: “And whoever does evil or wrongs himself but afterwards seeks Allah’s forgiveness will find Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
The respected Islamic scholar explained that these sacred verses serve as eternal reminders of Allah’s open door of mercy and forgiveness for every soul willing to return to righteousness.
“I hereby beg you in the mightiest name of Allah سبحانه وتعالى to release these innocent children and their teachers still under your custody,” the statement quoted the Grand Chief Imam as saying. “Let compassion prevail over cruelty, and let humanity triumph over pain and sorrow.”
The cleric further emphasized the emotional trauma currently being experienced by the families of the victims, pleading that the abducted children and their teachers be allowed to reunite with their loved ones in time to observe the forthcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations.
“Please, please and please, let them celebrate Eid al-Adha with their families and with us,” the Grand Chief Imam passionately appealed.
Sheikh Akeugberu concluded his message with prayers for Allah’s mercy upon all humanity, asking Almighty Allah to forgive sins, overlook shortcomings, and keep everyone steadfast upon faith.
The identities and location of the abducted children and teachers were not disclosed in the press release. However, the appeal comes amid growing concern over a wave of abductions targeting schools and communities across parts of Nigeria, with many victims spending weeks or months in captivity before ransom payments or rescue operations secure their release.
The Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah’s command. The celebration is expected to take place in the coming days, subject to the sighting of the moon.
The Grand Chief Imam’s appeal adds his voice to a growing chorus of religious leaders, civil society organizations, and government officials calling for an end to the recurring abductions that have plagued the nation in recent years.
