The Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has called for the immediate release of captives currently held by armed groups.
The National Amirah of FOMWAN, Hajia Idowu Sani, made the appeal in Abuja on Friday during a prayer session held to celebrate the return of Dr Ganiyat Popoola, who was kidnapped 10 months ago.
Popoola, who was abducted on Dec. 27, 2023, regained her freedom after 10 months in captivity.
She serves as a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna.
She was kidnapped alongside her husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Popoola, and her nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy, who lives with them.
Sani noted that many kidnapped individuals are sometimes returned dead and prayed for the safe release of those still in captivity.
“We pray that Allah touches the hearts of those responsible for these kidnappings so that peace and security may return to our dear country.
“As I mentioned before, Dr Ganiyat is like a daughter to us, especially as she is the daughter of one of our Amiras from a local government in Oyo State. When she was in captivity, we were all overwhelmed with sadness and tears.
“I remember when I heard about the kidnapping of the Catholic medical sisters around the same period; I made a press statement from Saudi Arabia condemning such acts.
“I had said that we do not want this kind of violence in Nigeria, whether it affects a male or female child,” she said.
Also speaking, Hajia Fatima Ndako, Amirah of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, expressed concern over the large number of people still in captivity.
She noted the need for collective action to address these challenges and encouraged women to take steps to foster peace in the country.
In her remarks, Bola Usman, President of the Islamic Green Tea and a member of the National FOMWAN Humanitarian Committee, highlighted the important role of mothers in raising children.
She urged mothers, whether biological or guardians, to take responsibility for guiding children in virtuous teachings, regardless of whether they are Christian or Muslim.
Usman further called on parents to instill the teachings of the Prophet in children to help counter terrorism and violence as they grow up.
