Gunmen abduct Chief Imam in Edo shortly after prayer
Murtadho Muhammad, Chief Imam of Uromi in Esan North-East Local Government, was reportedly abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at about 2pm after Islamic afternoon prayer (Dhuhr Prayer) last week Wednesday.
BusinessDay reports that the Chief Imam is also the President, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta Chapter.
Moses Yamu, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command while confirming the incident said, “it was reported to us on 10/7/2025. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and track down the culprits.”
The Muslim cleric was said to have been kidnapped at the Angle 90 Area of the Local Government.
A source, who spoke to newsmen on the condition of anonymity, said the Chief Imam was forcefully taken away by gunmen when he stepped out to buy food for his family near his residence shortly after observing the afternoon daily prayer.
The source also said that the kidnappers had since reached out to the family demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.
The incident has sparked widespread concerns 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.
Meanwhile, Abdulazeez Igbinidu, Chairman, Edo chapter of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo and the security agencies to help secure the cleric’s safe return.
Igbinidu, who also condemned the inglorious act, demanded the immediate release of the Islamic leader, saying, “I am hearing that they are asking for a very big amount of money and we don’t have such.
“The Edo Government should put up measure and do everything possible to protect the ordinary citizens in the State. 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.”
