Tension as FG Announces Move Against Sheikh Gumi, Gives Reason

• Kaduna-based controversial cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has been invited for questioning over his defence for the rampaging kidnappers in Nigeria, particularly the north
• President Bola Tinubu's minister for information and orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the disclosure while speaking to journalists after FEC meeting in Abuja
• According to Idris, Gumi is not above the law, and the federal government has considered it necessary to invite the cleric

Legit.ng journalist Bada Yusuf is an accomplished politics and current affairs editor, boasting over seven years of experience in journalism and writing.

FCT, Abuja - The federal government said that Ahmad Gumi, an Islamic cleric based in Kaduna, has been summoned for interrogation over his statements about bandit activities in the country.

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and orientation, stated this while speaking to journalists on Monday, March 25, at the State House in Abuja.

Read also

Killing of 17 soldiers: Police give fresh update on wanted Delta monarch who surrendered himself

Idris stated that Gumi was not above the law, stressing that the administration found it essential to summon him for questioning, TheCable reported.

How Sheikh Gumi defended bandits

The controversial cleric had criticised the federal government for its continued use of force or kinetic tactics to gain the release of abduction victims.

Gumi suggested that the authorities approach the bandits and study them to improve their living conditions.

According to him, the government's use of force has transformed the bandits into monsters.

His comments read in part:

“The high-handed approach to the matter is what is making it worse. Now, they are kidnapping children and threatening death, which they were not doing before. So, I think what to do is really go back to the drawing board and be truly non-kinetic.”

Read also

Court issues tough order to DHQ over 313 suspected terrorists

Kidnapping: Gumi's advice to Tinubu

The controversial cleric then urged the federal government to design a programme such as the amnesty initiative that was given to the militants in the Niger Delta.

He urged the government to change its tactics and approaches in fighting the terrorists who have resorted to the kidnapping of children.

Kidnapping: Kaduna community laments

Legit.ng earlier reported that bandits also attacked Kaduna and abducted no fewer than 61 people in the Buda community of the Kajuru local government area of the state.

Dauda Kajuru, a resident of the community, confirmed that the attack happened on Monday night when the bandits invaded the area in large numbers.

Kajuru lamented that the activities of the bandits have intensified since the removal of the army commander, General Tega.

Source: Legit.ng