Nigeria’s Growing Insecurity: Bandits Demand Sharia Law, Vehicles, Arms and ₦1bn Ransom

Fresh controversy has erupted in Oyo State after armed bandits reportedly demanded the implementation of Sharia law among other conditions for the release of schoolchildren abducted from Oriire Local Government Area.

The kidnappers, who have held the pupils captive for three weeks, are said to have presented a list of demands to the authorities, including a ransom payment of ₦1 billion, the provision of vehicles, weapons, food supplies, and the release of their members currently detained in correctional facilities.

According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the bandits are demanding:

Payment of ₦1 billion in cash to be delivered in the Republic of Benin;

Two Toyota Hilux vehicles;

Food supplies, firearms, and ammunition;

Release of their members allegedly being held in Agodi and Abolongo correctional facilities; and

Amendment of Oyo State laws to enforce and adopt Sharia law.

The unusual inclusion of a demand for the adoption of Sharia law has triggered widespread debate and renewed discussions on the long-standing controversy surrounding the place of Islamic legal institutions in Oyo State.

Despite growing concerns over the safety of the abducted children, the Oyo State Government has maintained its stance against negotiating with criminal elements.

State authorities have repeatedly emphasized that security agencies are working to secure the release of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The development comes against the backdrop of lingering tensions over Sharia-related issues in the South-West state.

In December 2024, Islamic groups announced plans to inaugurate a Supreme Council for Sharia in Oyo State on January 11, 2025.

The move generated heated public debate and opposition from several groups, who argued that the initiative could deepen religious divisions.

The proposed inauguration was subsequently halted following interventions by Governor Seyi Makinde and traditional authorities, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The controversy intensified in January 2025 when the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, publicly criticized opposition to the establishment of Sharia institutions in the state.

He argued that provisions relating to Sharia courts exist within Nigeria’s constitutional framework and that adherents should be allowed to establish such institutions in any part of the country where there is demand.

With the latest kidnapping case now linked to demands surrounding Sharia law, observers fear that an already sensitive religious and political debate could take on a new dimension.

Security analysts have warned against conflating criminal activities with legitimate constitutional discussions, noting that the primary concern remains the safe rescue of the abducted children and the prosecution of those responsible for their captivity.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not officially commented on the specific demands attributed to the kidnappers, while anxious families continued to await the safe return of the children.