Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has come under intense criticism from Nigerians following comments widely interpreted as a justification for ransom payments made to kidnappers and armed bandits terrorising different parts of the country. The remarks, which quickly sparked outrage across social media platforms, have reopened public debate about insecurity, negotiations with criminals and the growing kidnapping crisis in Nigeria.
The backlash erupted after Gumi reportedly stated that many kidnappers and bandits rely on ransom payments to sustain their operations, especially as military offensives and security crackdowns continue to mount pressure on them. According to reactions online, many Nigerians viewed the statement as insensitive and dangerously sympathetic to criminal groups responsible for widespread abductions, killings and destruction across the country.
Several citizens took to social media to condemn the cleric, accusing him of repeatedly making comments that appear to humanise or defend armed groups despite the devastating impact of banditry and kidnapping on innocent Nigerians. Critics argued that ransom payments have become one of the major drivers fueling the expansion of criminal networks, with kidnappers increasingly targeting schools, highways, villages and wealthy individuals because of the huge financial rewards involved. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Others expressed frustration that while victims and their families continue to suffer traumatic experiences, public figures are still making statements perceived to excuse the activities of criminals. Some users described the comments as deeply disturbing at a time when many communities across northern and southwestern Nigeria are battling daily fear over abductions and violent attacks.
The controversy has once again placed Gumi at the centre of national attention due to his long history of engaging with bandits and kidnappers in attempts to negotiate peace deals and secure the release of abducted victims. Over the years, the cleric has defended dialogue and amnesty for armed groups, insisting that negotiations remain one of the practical ways to reduce bloodshed and restore stability in troubled regions. His meetings with bandit leaders in forests across Kaduna, Zamfara and Niger states previously generated mixed reactions among Nigerians and security experts.
While some supporters argue that Gumi’s interventions have helped secure the release of abducted victims in the past, many critics believe his approach gives legitimacy to criminal elements and weakens efforts to enforce justice. Security analysts have repeatedly warned that continuous ransom payments and negotiations without strict consequences may encourage more criminal groups to embrace kidnapping as a profitable enterprise.
The renewed outrage comes amid worsening insecurity in several parts of the country, with recent reports of mass abductions, attacks on schools and deadly assaults on rural communities heightening public anxiety. Many Nigerians have continued to call on the Federal Government and security agencies to adopt tougher strategies against kidnappers instead of allowing criminal groups to gain financial and psychological advantage through ransom negotiations.
