The Kwara State Council of Ulama has called on the state police command to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover all those involved in the murder of Hafsoh Lawal, allegedly for ritual purposes.
The council noted that anyone found guilty should face justice to serve as an example to others with criminal intent.
Sheikh Mohammad Bashir Salih, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, who led the council addressed journalists in Ilorin, the state capital, expressing its commitment to ensuring justice for Lawal and her family.
The Ulama also promised eto support security agencies in their investigation.
Other prominent clerics at the press conference included the Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muyideen Salman Hussein; Chief Imam of Malete, Abdullah Ibrahim; the Ajanasi of Ilorin; Chief Imam of Gambari; Chief Imam of Lafiagi; Professor Lanre Badmas; Alhaji Abdulhamid Hadi; retired Justice Adam Idris; and the council’s secretary, retired Justice Salihu Olohuntoyin Mohammed.
The Islamic leaders frowned against attacking any community based on the actions of a few individuals, stressing that Ilorin and Kwara State are known for their strong Islamic heritage, which rejects ritual practices.
“Ritual acts are offensive to all known religions. We must all rise up and be counted in the fight against them,” they stated.
The council also announced plans to organize a sensitization program for young Alfas, focusing on effective Dawah practices that align with Islamic teachings.
Part of the statement reads “As a first step, a meeting is being planned with various Muslim leaders and clerics on how to avoid this kind of occurrence in the nearest future from taking place in our state and the nation.
“We will also double our efforts in preaching the correct attitude towards the propagation of Islam.
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Ever since the unfortunate incident occurred, the Council has stepped up its activities in counseling our Alfas and the other clerics on the best conduct in preaching the religion of Islam; that our town and state have been known for, through the ages.
“The council, therefore, condemns the murder of Miss Hafsoh Lawal by Abdulrahaman Bello for ritual purposes. Our religion forbids the killing of another soul, which is a grave crime in the sight of our creator. For a young lady who was full of life to be cut down in her youth. Her killer has definitely committed an unpardonable offence against Allah, who has warned us to be righteous at all time.
“We commiserate with the family of Hafsoh, who has been thrown into mourning due to the unGodly act of Abdulrahman. In this moment of grief, it is only Allah who can console the family”.
The ulama also commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq in the areas of peace and Peaceul co-existence, saying that growth and development cannot be attained in the absence of peace.
“We are indeed very grateful. We promise our continous co-operation with you to achieve more kudos for the government in these areas of peace and peaceul co-existence without which no growth and development is possible in the state.
“Finally, the Kwara State Council of Ulama condemns the murder of Hafsoh by Abdulrahaman Bello. The law should take its course on the matter. This is our stand!”
