Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has described the abduction of schoolchildren as a lesser evil compared to the killing of soldiers, insisting that Nigeria must engage bandits in dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.
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Gumi made the remarks in an interview with the BBC shared on Tuesday. He said kidnapping minors is evil but not as grave as murder, especially when victims are later released unharmed. He pointed to the mass abduction in Kebbi State where children were freed without casualties as an example of what he called a lesser evil.
His comments follow the abduction of more than 315 people in Niger State including 303 students and 12 teachers. The federal government later confirmed that 100 of the students were freed while at least 50 others escaped. Gumi described the attack as evil and prayed for the safe return of those still in captivity.
Reaffirming his position on engagement, the cleric said negotiating with bandits is unavoidable. He explained that societies everywhere hold discussions with outlaws in various ways and that there is no religious or historical foundation for rejecting dialogue. He added that he conducts his meetings openly with authorities and the media present.
Gumi said his last direct meeting with bandit groups was in 2021 but the federal government at the time was not interested. He noted that he stopped all contact after the groups were officially designated as terrorists.
Speaking on the wider security situation, the former army captain argued that military action alone cannot end the crisis. He said the armed forces handle most of the operations while a smaller portion depends on political decisions, government policies and community involvement. According to him, Nigeria needs a strong military but force cannot be the only solution.
Gumi also stressed that most bandits are rural Fulani herders and not urban Fulani. He said many of them believe they are fighting to protect their inherited cattle and urged Nigerians to understand the difference between the two groups.
His comments reflect the ongoing debate on how best to address rising insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the north west where repeated kidnappings and attacks continue to affect communities.
