Renowned Kaduna-based Muslim cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on the government to permit him to engage in discussions with the bandits responsible for the abduction of approximately 287 schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area.
Sheikh Gumi emphasized the importance of dialogue, urging President Bola Tinubu to adopt a different approach from his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who rejected negotiations with bandits.
The recent attack in Kuriga saw bandits invading the area, shooting at victims, and subsequently abducting at least 280 pupils and teachers. This incident occurred shortly after insurgents kidnapped 200 internally displaced women in Ngala, Borno State, while they were gathering firewood.
Reacting to the government’s refusal to engage in dialogue with bandits for the release of the abducted schoolchildren, Gumi expressed his disagreement, stating, “The government’s stance of no negotiation with the bandits is regrettable.” He suggested that the government should employ the same approach used to release passengers abducted on the Abuja–Kaduna train in 2022.
Asserting his willingness to facilitate dialogue between the government and bandits, Gumi emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution. He urged the Tinubu administration to embrace dialogue, citing the refusal of the previous Buhari administration to engage in negotiations.
Gumi, who has previously mediated between state governments and bandits for the release of abducted individuals, received commendation for his efforts in seeking the release of kidnapped persons across the country.
