Chief Imam of Uromi abducted in Edo

By EMMANUEL JIMOH, Benin –

Chief Imam of Uromi and President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta Chapter, Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

The incident occurred on Sunday at approximately 2 p.m. in the Angle 90 area of Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to eyewitnesses, Sheikh Muhammad was abducted shortly after observing one of the daily prayers while on his way to buy food for his family near his residence. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N30 million.

Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, condemned the abduction, describing it as “inglorious and unacceptable”.

He emphasized that paying the ransom would encourage the kidnappers and urged the Edo government to take responsibility for protecting its citizens.

“The government should do everything possible to ensure that Imam is released unconditionally and without harm,” Igbinidu said. “Government should also put up all efforts to ensure that citizens can sleep well with both eyes closed and work freely without fear of kidnapping or assassination.”

The Police Command in Edo confirmed the incident and stated that efforts are ongoing to rescue Sheikh Muhammad and track down the culprits.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, said, “It was reported to us on Thursday. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and track down the culprits”.
The kidnapping has sparked widespread concern among the Muslim community, given Sheikh Muhammad’s influential role as a religious leader and advocate for youth development.