A prominent Islamic cleric in Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulRauf Lagbaji, has asked the government to execute those convicted over the 2022 Owo Catholic Church massacre, insisting that justice must be served without further delay.
Lagbaji, founder of At-Tanzil Foundation, made the call while delivering a lecture at the Ashura Day celebration organised by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Ondo State chapter, in Akure.
Speaking on the theme, “Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathways Amidst Hostilities: What Are the Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria?”, the cleric urged governments at all levels to enforce the death penalty against convicted kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals.
He argued that reintegrating convicted criminals into society would only expose innocent citizens to further danger, adding that the government should not be lenient with those found guilty of heinous crimes.
Lagbaji specifically appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure the timely execution of those convicted for the Owo church attack, describing the incident as one of the country’s most horrific acts of terrorism.
He said, “It is time for the government to execute any bandit or kidnapper found guilty because the Qur’an makes it clear that whoever knowingly kills another person should also be put to death.
“The government should enforce the death penalty against those convicted of the Owo church attack and other violent crimes. Allowing such criminals to return to society only exposes innocent people to more danger.
“Government must not make the mistake of believing that bandits will genuinely repent and abandon their crimes.”
He further urged lawyers not to represent or defend persons involved in banditry and kidnapping, while calling for a review of the constitution to allow the immediate execution of anyone convicted of such offences.
Lagbaji, however, charged Muslims and other Nigerians to remain committed to peace, saying the essence of Ashura is to strengthen devotion to Allah, promote good intentions and foster peaceful coexistence.
Also speaking, the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, urged Muslims to participate actively in politics to enhance their representation in governance and decision-making.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, decried what he described as the marginalisation of Muslims in political appointments in Ondo State and called for equitable representation.
Earlier, the Chairman of MMPN in Ondo State, Mallam Jubril Bada, said the Ashura programme was organised to encourage Muslims to deepen their acts of worship, charity, fasting and prayers, while urging Nigerians to embrace peace and tolerance and ensure violence-free elections.