Oriire: School Children Rescue Won the Battle, Justice Must Win the Peace

By Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade

The successful rescue of the abducted children and teachers from the Oriire community after fifty-six harrowing days is a moment of immense relief for their families and for Nigerians at large. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for his commitment to securing their release. The Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies also merit national appreciation for their coordinated efforts, which led to the safe rescue of the victims, the neutralisation of some of the attackers during the operation, and the arrest of eight suspects.
The President has assured Nigerians that justice will be served. That assurance should now be followed by a prompt, transparent, and credible judicial process. Justice delivered in accordance with the law reinforces public confidence in the justice system, strengthens the rule of law, and demonstrates that those responsible for serious crimes will be held accountable.
Islam unequivocally condemns terrorism, kidnapping, murder, and every act that spreads fear and insecurity among innocent people. The Qur’an states:
“Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon the earth to spread corruption…” (Qur’an 5:33).
This verse underscores the gravity with which Islamic law regards violent crimes such as terrorism, armed banditry, and other acts that threaten public safety. The primary objectives of Islamic law include the protection of human life, property, dignity, and social order. Far from providing any justification for terrorism, Islam firmly rejects violence against innocent people and upholds justice, security, and the sanctity of human life.
It is therefore both inaccurate and unjust to associate terrorism with Islam. The religion prohibits oppression, the unlawful taking of life, and acts that terrorise innocent people. Even causing unnecessary fear or intimidation is discouraged in Islamic teachings, making crimes such as kidnapping schoolchildren, murdering innocent citizens, and inflicting trauma on families fundamentally incompatible with the principles of Islam.
Those arrested in connection with the Oriire attack should be investigated thoroughly and, where sufficient evidence establishes criminal responsibility, prosecuted in accordance with the law. If found guilty by a competent court, they should receive penalties prescribed under Nigeria’s laws that are proportionate to the gravity of their offences. Such accountability serves not only the interests of justice but also reinforces deterrence and public confidence in the nation’s commitment to combating terrorism.
The successful rescue operation has restored hope to many Nigerians. The diligent investigation and prosecution of all those responsible should now reinforce that hope by demonstrating that criminal acts of this nature will be addressed through lawful and effective institutions.
Nigeria must continue striving to be a nation where the lives and dignity of innocent citizens are protected, the rule of law prevails, and terrorism finds no safe haven.

Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade is the General Secretary of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, and a member of Rabwa Islamic Propagation, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
agunbiadeib@gmail.com