Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has condemned the rising wave of kidnappings in Nigeria, invoking divine punishment on those responsible for the crisis while calling for a new approach to tackle insecurity.
Gumi made the remarks on Thursday in reaction to the abduction of a student of the University of Jos, John Arum, whose ordeal has drawn widespread attention after a video of him in captivity surfaced online.
The cleric, in a Facebook post, said those behind kidnappings and the wider insecurity in the country had “lost their humanity.” He also criticised what he described as the over-reliance on military force in dealing with armed groups.
John Arum, a student of the University of Jos, was reportedly abducted by gunmen while travelling to Kaduna. His captors are said to be demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.
A video showing Arum in captivity has gone viral on social media, sparking public anger and concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping across the country.
In the footage, the student appeared distressed, highlighting the harsh conditions under which victims are often held. The video has renewed calls for urgent action to address insecurity, especially on major highways and in northern Nigeria.
Reacting to the incident, Gumi issued a strong warning and curse against those he believes are responsible for the situation.
“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 said.
The cleric stressed that the threat posed by kidnappers and other armed groups is real and can affect anyone.
“The danger is real and anybody can be a victim tomorrow,” he warned.
He urged Nigerians to avoid what he described as unnecessary arguments, emotional reactions, and conspiracy theories, and instead focus on finding practical solutions to the crisis.
A major part of Gumi’s message was his call for a shift away from purely military solutions, often referred to as “kinetic” approaches.
He argued that violence alone cannot solve the problem and may even make it worse.
According to him, security experts have suggested that only about 25 per cent of counter-insurgency efforts should involve the use of force, while the remaining 75 per cent should focus on non-violent strategies.
These include dialogue, mediation, and efforts to change the mindset of those involved in criminal activities.
“Violence only hardens them; in fact, it is what created them in the first place,” Gumi said.
He added that attempts to introduce empathy and proper religious teachings to armed groups could help reduce violence, although he admitted that such efforts have not always succeeded.
Gumi also criticised what he described as the slow response of government institutions to the growing security challenges.
He warned that delays in action have allowed criminal groups to gain strength and influence.
According to him, the lack of timely and effective intervention has created a situation where non-state actors now have the power to threaten and blackmail communities.
The cleric said Nigeria’s security system has focused too much on military action, while neglecting other important tools that could help address the root causes of insecurity.
Gumi has been a prominent but controversial voice in Nigeria’s security discussions, especially in the northern region.
Over the years, he has engaged with bandits and other armed groups, visiting their camps and facilitating talks between them and affected communities.
Critics argue that engaging with criminals gives them legitimacy and may encourage further violence. However, his supporters believe that dialogue has helped secure the release of hostages and reduced tensions in some areas.
Nigeria has been facing serious security challenges for over a decade, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and kidnapping in various parts of the country.
Kidnapping for ransom, in particular, has become a major concern, with victims ranging from students and travellers to farmers and community leaders.
Many attacks occur on highways or in rural communities where security presence is limited.
The abduction of students has also become more frequent in recent years, raising fears among parents and educators about the safety of schools.
The latest incident involving the University of Jos student has added to growing calls for a review of Nigeria’s security strategy.
Addressing issues like poverty, unemployment, and lack of education is also seen as key to reducing the number of young people drawn into criminal activities.
Many Nigerians have expressed sympathy for the abducted student and his family, while also calling on the government to act quickly to secure his release.
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages demanding stronger protection for citizens and better coordination among security agencies.
The viral video of Arum has further highlighted the human cost of insecurity, bringing renewed attention to the suffering of victims and their families.
As efforts continue to rescue the abducted student, Gumi’s comments have once again sparked debate about the best way to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.
While opinions differ on his approach, there is general agreement that the situation requires urgent and effective action.