The 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 happened around 2 p.m. on Sunday at Angle 90 area in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. Eyewitnesses said the Islamic cleric was abducted shortly after completing one of his daily prayers. He had reportedly stepped out to buy food for his family when the attackers struck and took him away near his home.
The Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, confirmed the incident and condemned it as “unacceptable and inglorious.” He urged the kidnappers to release Sheikh Murtadho without delay and called on the government to act swiftly.
“I am hearing that they are asking for a very big amount of money and we don’t have such,” he said. “Even if you do, paying ransom only encourages them.”
A family source also confirmed that the kidnappers have contacted them and are demanding a ransom of ₦30 million.
The Islamic community in Edo State has expressed deep concern over the abduction, especially given the Sheikh’s respected role as both a religious leader and a strong advocate for youth development.
Attempts to get an official statement from the Edo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, did not respond to calls or text messages at the time of this report.
Community members and religious leaders are now urging the Edo State government to intensify efforts to ensure the safe release of Sheikh Murtadho and improve security across the state.