Gumi Curses Abductors of UNIJOS graduate
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Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has invoked curses on those behind the abduction of a student of the University of Jos. He described Nigeria’s worsening kidnapping crisis as a failure of both leadership and strategy. Gumi’s reaction followed the circulation of a viral video showing the student, identified as John Arum, in captivity, with his abductors demanding a N30 million ransom. In a strongly worded statement, the cleric condemned the perpetrators, saying they had lost all sense of humanity, while warning that the growing wave of abductions now poses a threat to every Nigerian. “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,” he declared. The cleric argued that Nigeria’s continued reliance on military force alone has failed to stem the tide of insecurity, insisting that a broader, more strategic response is urgently required. He said evidence from security experts suggests that force driven operations should only form a fraction of the response, with greater emphasis placed on non kinetic measures such as dialogue, mediation and ideological reorientation. “Violence only hardens them; in fact, it is what created them in the first place,” Gumi said, warning that excessive use of force could further entrench armed groups. He cautioned against emotional reactions and “conspiracy driven narratives”, urging both authorities and citizens to focus on practical solutions to the crisis. “There is no room or time for abuses, sentimental judgment, or conspiracy theories. The danger is real and anybody can be a victim tomorrow,” he added. Gumi also criticised the “slow pace of response by government institutions”, warning that gaps in action have created room for criminal groups to expand their influence. According to him, the failure of the state to act decisively has emboldened non-state actors, allowing them to operate as powerful networks capable of instilling fear and exerting pressure on communities. The cleric, known for his controversial engagement with armed groups in parts of northern Nigeria, maintained that dialogue remains a viable tool in de-escalating violence. His position has continued to draw mixed reactions. While critics accuse him of legitimising criminal elements, supporters argue that his interventions have, in some cases, helped secure the release of victims where conventional security efforts have struggled. The abducted student was reportedly taken while travelling to Kaduna, with the widely circulated footage of his captivity sparking outrage over the conditions in which he was held. Reacting to the incident, the National Association of Nigerian Students issued a 48 hour ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to secure his release. The association warned that failure to act within the timeframe would trigger nationwide protests, raising pressure on authorities to respo...
Duplicate Detection
- Similar to "Ahmad Gumi Curses Abductors Of UNIJOS Graduate" reported on 2026-04-17
- Same type (kidnapping) reported on 2026-04-17: "UNIJOS student abduction: Gumi curses abductors, seeks non-kinetic approach"