Jihadists demand sharia law in Oyo State as condition for release of kidnapped children, teachers 

Though the Oyo State Government has maintained sealed lips over reports that the Jihadists who kidnapped toddlers and their teachers in Oriire area of Ogbomoso, since Friday, May 15, reports have emerged that they have placed down demands before the government.

One riddle that their reported demands have helped resolve is that of their identity. If there was any doubt in any quarters as to which religion drives their evil project, that doubt has been cleared. They are Muslims who want to overrun Nigeria and turn it into a caliphate.

According to reports online, yet to be confirmed by any arm of the Nigerian security architecture, the Jihadists have demanded payment of N1billion Naira, provision of arms, including two Hilux trucks used as operational vehicles by most companies. The terrorists have also asked that the Oyo State Government pass a law to convert the state into a sharia state.

Another issue that their alleged demands has unearthed is that of the group being part of a trans-border affiliation. The online reports added that the group asked that the N1bn be paid into a bank account operational in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

That request also raised another maze demanding thorough examination. Have they moved their victims to Benin Republic while Nigerians continue to focus rescue requests within Nigeria? If so, that reopens the lingering anxiety that Nigeria’s borders are too porous for the safety and security of the country. If they Jihadists could move about 45 people across the Nigeria-Benin border without being detected, then, no Nigerian resident in any Nigerian community is safe.

While Nigerians wait on their government to react to the kidnap tragedy decisively, what are your thoughts? Should the Government of Oyo State comply with the Jihadists’ demands in exchange for the return of the toddlers, pupils and their teachers as people would argue that no price is too much to save a life?