Nigerians slam Sheikh Gumi over ransom-for-kidnappers comments

By Enitan Abdultawab

Controversial Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has come under heavy criticism from Nigerians on social media after he appeared to suggest that armed groups involved in kidnapping rely on ransom payments to finance their operations.

In the comments that sparked outrage, Gumi was quoted as saying that criminals involved in banditry were under pressure from security operations and therefore needed funds to sustain their activities.

“The terrorists need all the money they’re getting from kidnapping. It’s not like they are living luxurious lives; the government is putting too much pressure on them so they need money to finance their war machines,” he was quoted as saying during an interview with AIT News over the weekend.

He further added: “If they leave banditry, they won’t have source of financing their war machine,” suggesting that ongoing security pressure contributes to their actions.

The remarks triggered widespread backlash across social media, with many Nigerians accusing him of justifying or sympathising with criminal groups responsible for widespread killings and kidnappings.

Reactions from users online reflected anger and disbelief at the comments.

@UmehWrites wrote: “He actually said ‘The govt is bombing us’ like ‘US’… he’s announcing he’s part of the terrorists. I try to avoid this man’s videos cos I don’t know how he still hasn’t been locked behind bars.”

@mc1yke added: “Boko Haram is a state-sponsored terrorist group… why would a government let people like Gumi work freely in a country like Nigeria where Boko Haram is killing thousands?”

@SwitchNigeriaNG wrote: “Tinubu would never take him out because like Miyetti Allah… I however believe, if he wins second tenure, he might damn the consequences and put people like Gumi in jail.”

@NigIsland said: “It is a total disgrace that anyone would try to justify kidnapping… These people are not struggling, they are cowards who should be stopped.”

@Benjinku noted: “Saudi Arabia arrested and locked this terrorist up… but Nigeria is allowing him to move around freely and openly sympathise with terrorists on TV.”

@KingByronX questioned the statement, saying: “I genuinely don’t understand why anyone would make a statement like this when innocent Nigerians are suffering daily from kidnapping and terrorism.”

@PhoenixTv01 reacted more strongly: “Lives are being lost daily… and this old, useless, foolish… white bearded he goat is busy defending perpetrators of this evil…”

@FubaraD1 also wrote: “Why is this still walking free out there? This is a double standard of justice.”

The comments have continued to generate heated debate online, with many calling for accountability over statements perceived as sympathetic to armed groups.

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