Chief Imam of Uromi, MSSN Leader Abducted by Gunmen in Edo State
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 Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Sunday near the Angle 90 area of the town. According to eyewitness accounts, the cleric had just completed one of the daily prayers and stepped out to purchase food for his family when he was forcibly taken close to his residence.
Confirming the development, Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), condemned the abduction, describing it as “inglorious and unacceptable.”
“We are hearing that the kidnappers are demanding a very large sum as ransom. We don’t have that kind of money. Even if we did, paying it would only encourage more of these criminal acts,” Igbinidu said.
He urged the Edo State Government and security agencies to take swift and decisive action to ensure the immediate and safe release of Sheikh Muhammad.
“The government must ensure that citizens can move about freely and sleep with both eyes closed. It is their duty to secure lives,” he added.
A family source revealed that the kidnappers have made contact and are demanding a ₦30 million ransom for the cleric’s release.
The abduction has sparked concern across the state’s Muslim community, especially given Sheikh Muhammad’s respected status as both a religious figure and youth advocate.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Edo State Police Command proved unsuccessful, as the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, did not respond to calls or text messages.
