Gunmen have abducted Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, the Chief Imam of Uromi and President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Edo-Delta Chapter.
The kidnapping occurred around 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in the Angle 90 area of Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Eyewitnesses reported that the respected Islamic cleric was taken shortly after completing one of his daily prayers.
He had stepped out to buy food for his family when he was forcibly seized near his home.
Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria, describing the act as inglorious and unacceptable.
He strongly condemned the abduction and called for Sheikh Muhammad’s immediate and unconditional release.
“I have heard that a large ransom is being demanded, but even if you have such money, paying it only encourages the kidnappers,” he said.
Igbinidu urged the Edo State government to take urgent action to protect its citizens.
“The government has the security apparatus and should do everything possible to ensure the Imam’s safe release. Citizens must be able to live and work without fear of kidnapping or assassination,” he added.
A family source told NAN that the kidnappers have reportedly demanded a ransom of N30 million.
The incident has sparked widespread concern across the Muslim community in Edo State, given Sheikh Muhammad’s prominent role as both a religious leader and youth advocate.
