Gumi Curses Kidnappers, Advocates Non-Kinetic Approach to Nigeria's Insecurity

Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has once again spoken out forcefully against the pervasive kidnapping crisis plaguing Nigeria, this time invoking divine retribution upon all those complicit in the menace. His remarks, made in reaction to the abduction of a University of Jos student, underscore a deep frustration with the ongoing insecurity and a plea for a more nuanced approach to conflict resolution.

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Violence only hardens them; in fact, it is what created them in the first place. I thought that planting empathy in them through correct religious instruction would tame them, most, if not all, not knowing that the violence they exercise is what most people, including some government quarters, believe is the only answer.

Gumi's call for a non-kinetic strategy, emphasizing empathy and religious instruction over brute force, reflects his long-held belief that violence only begets more violence. He posits that the current reliance on military responses, which he claims constitute only 25 percent of effective counter-insurgency efforts, is fundamentally flawed. The cleric argues that the remaining 75 percent should be dedicated to dialogue, mediation, and re-orientation – methods he has actively championed, particularly in the North-West.

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There is no room or time for abuses, sentimental judgment, or conspiracy theories. The danger is real and anybody can be a victim tomorrow.

The cleric's criticism extends to the perceived slow response and prioritization of military solutions by government institutions. He warns that this vacuum in state action inadvertently empowers non-state actors and creates fertile ground for blackmail. Gumi's controversial yet persistent engagement with bandits and armed groups, while drawing criticism for potentially legitimizing criminals, is viewed by his supporters as a vital, albeit unconventional, means of securing peace and hostage releases where conventional methods have failed. His impassioned curse serves as a stark reminder of the moral and spiritual dimensions he believes are integral to addressing Nigeria's complex security landscape.

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May Allah destroy any person who helped in creating this situation or participated in any form, or neglected his or her duty in saving the situation, or is even happy about it.