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 unknown gunmen in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The incident reportedly occurred around 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Angle 90 area of the town, shortly after the cleric observed one of the daily prayers.
According to reports, Murtadho had stepped out to buy food for his family when he was forcibly taken near his residence by the armed men.
The kidnappers are said to be demanding a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, condemned the abduction, describing it as “inglorious and unacceptable.”
He said, “I am hearing that they are asking for a very big amount of money and we don’t have such.
“Even if you have, if you do such a thing, you are encouraging them.”
The chairman called on the Edo government to measure up and do everything possible to protect the ordinary citizens in the state.
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“They are the ones that have the apparatus for security.
“So they should do everything possible to ensure that Imam is released unconditionally and without harm.
“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,” he said.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among the Muslim community in the state, considering the abductee’s dual role as both a revered religious leader and an advocate for youth development.
All efforts by our correspondent to contact the Edo state Police spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, yielded no result.