Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has described the abduction of schoolchildren in Nigeria as a lesser harm compared to the killing of soldiers, arguing that negotiations with bandits are necessary to prevent further loss of life. The remarks were made in an interview with the BBC amid ongoing security crises in the northwest.
Gumi acknowledged that kidnapping children is a criminal act but said it is comparatively less destructive than murder, particularly when kidnapped children are eventually released unharmed. He referred to past incidents where students were abducted but later freed, contrasting them with attacks where fatalities occurred.
The comments come after a major abduction in Niger State, where over 300 students and 12 teachers were taken. The federal government has announced the release of some of the students, while others reportedly escaped in the days following the kidnapping.
Gumi defended his position that engaging with bandits and other armed groups is necessary to maintain peace and save lives. He said negotiations are a common practice with non-state actors and stressed that his interactions with bandits are conducted openly, with government oversight and media coverage.
He also said that the military alone cannot resolve the security challenges in Nigeria. While a strong army is essential, Gumi argued that the broader solution involves government policies, local community engagement, and support beyond purely military actions.
The cleric further differentiated between Fulani herdsmen, whom he described as primarily involved in survival and cattle rearing, and urban Fulani populations. According to him, much of the banditry is linked to the herders’ struggle to protect their livelihoods rather than being ethnically motivated against other communities.
Gumi’s remarks reflect the ongoing debate in Nigeria about how to balance enforcement, dialogue, and negotiation in addressing persistent insecurity, particularly kidnappings and raids in northern and northwestern states.