Agunbiade condemns efforts to brand South-West insecurity as Islamic Jihad

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

An Islamic scholar and preacher, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, has warned against attempts to frame insecurity and kidnapping activities in Oyo State and parts of the South-West as an “Islamic jihad,” cautioning that such narratives could inflame religious tension and deepen divisions within the country.

Agunbiade, who spoke in a statement issued on Saturday, expressed concern over comments made during a radio discussion programme on Splash FM in Ibadan where criminal gangs and kidnappers operating in parts of Oyo State were allegedly described as “Islamic jihadists” seeking to dominate the South-West region.

While condemning the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in the Oriire Local Government area of Oyo State, the cleric insisted that criminality should not be falsely linked to religion.

According to him, kidnapping innocent citizens, attacking schools and terrorising communities have no connection with the teachings of Islam and should not be portrayed as a religious mission.

“It is irresponsible and intellectually dishonest to automatically label every violent criminal activity involving suspected bandits or kidnappers as Islamic jihad,” he said.

Agunbiade stressed that many victims of insecurity in affected communities are themselves Muslims, arguing that such realities contradict claims that the attacks are being carried out in pursuit of any Islamic agenda.

He noted that prominent Islamic organisations and leaders in Oyo State, including the Muslim Rights Concern and the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, have consistently condemned insecurity and called for urgent government action against criminal elements.

The scholar further cautioned media organisations and public commentators against sensational narratives capable of creating ethnic and religious suspicion in Nigeria’s multi-religious society.

According to him, journalism carries a moral responsibility, especially during periods of insecurity, adding that careless use of language could poison public perception and undermine peaceful coexistence among communities.

He called on governments at all levels to strengthen local security structures, improve intelligence gathering, equip security agencies adequately and ensure that criminals are arrested and prosecuted without politicising or religiously profiling the crisis.

Agunbiade also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups to promote unity, vigilance and cooperation rather than division and suspicion.

“The fight before us is not Islam versus Christianity, nor North versus South. The real battle is between law-abiding citizens and criminal elements threatening the peace of society,” he stated.