Controversial Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has sparked fresh outrage across Nigeria after stating during a recent interview that bandits engage in kidnapping because they need money to “protect themselves from government pressure.”
The comment was made during an interview with AIT News in Kaduna State while discussions focused on the worsening insecurity crisis in northern Nigeria, repeated mass kidnappings, and ongoing military operations against armed groups hiding in forests across the region.
During the interview, Gumi attempted to explain why kidnappings and ransom demands have continued despite increased offensives by security forces. According to him, many of the bandits resort to abducting people for ransom because they are under pressure from government crackdowns and need funds to sustain themselves and protect their networks from military operations.
The statement quickly spread across social media on Monday, triggering anger from Nigerians who felt the remarks appeared to excuse or soften the brutality of kidnapping gangs terrorising communities across Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Sokoto states.
‘Dangerously Humanises Criminals’
Although some of his supporters claim he was merely explaining the operational realities of the armed groups rather than defending them, many Nigerians strongly disagree, arguing that the statement dangerously humanises criminals responsible for widespread suffering.
For years, thousands of Nigerians have been kidnapped from schools, highways, villages, and even places of worship. Families have sold properties, borrowed heavily, and exhausted life savings to pay ransom demands. Many victims returned traumatised, while countless others never made it back alive.
In that context, critics say any public comment that appears to rationalise kidnapping risks deepening the pain of victims and weakening public trust in the fight against insecurity.
Security analysts and concerned citizens argue that words from influential religious figures carry enormous weight, especially in fragile situations involving violence and extremism. Many fear such remarks could indirectly embolden armed groups or create sympathy for criminal activities at a time when communities are demanding tougher action against terrorism and banditry.
Selective Justice?
The controversy has also renewed questions over why the Federal Government has appeared reluctant to take firm action against Gumi despite years of controversial comments and alleged interactions with bandit leaders. While some activists and ordinary citizens have faced swift arrests over sensitive public statements, the cleric has largely remained free, fuelling accusations of selective justice and political caution.
Some observers believe authorities fear that arresting or aggressively confronting him could create religious tension or provoke unrest among his followers. Others suggest the government may still consider him useful as an intermediary capable of communicating with armed groups hiding in forests across the North.
However, many Nigerians insist that no individual should appear untouchable while citizens continue to die from kidnappings and violent attacks. As insecurity worsens in many parts of the country, citizens say the nation urgently needs stronger leadership, justice for victims, and firm condemnation of every narrative capable of softening the image of criminal violence.
