The Federal Government has come under renewed criticism over the worsening insecurity, persistent banditry, and frequent kidnappings of schoolchildren and vulnerable citizens. The backlash intensified after Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, once again defended the actions of armed groups—prompting a fiery response from entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charley Boy.
In a video shared online by Charley Boy, Sheikh Gumi is seen arguing that attacking bandits would only worsen the crisis. According to Gumi, military offensives—whether by Nigeria or foreign partners—would be a “mistake,” insisting instead that the armed groups should be listened to, negotiated with, and even budgeted for.
Reacting sharply, Charley Boy condemned Gumi’s remarks, questioning his judgment and accusing him of consistently defending criminals despite the suffering inflicted on ordinary Nigerians. He criticised the cleric for urging negotiations with groups responsible for mass killings, displacement, and the destruction of rural communities. Charley Boy further argued that Gumi’s repeated push for amnesty and dialogue ignores the plight of victims and seemingly positions him as a spokesperson for the attackers.
Gumi Repeats Defence of Bandits
Gumi’s latest comments, made during an interview with Trust TV and monitored by SaharaReporters, further stirred public outrage. While acknowledging that the killings perpetrated by bandits were “wrong and obnoxious,” he maintained that many attacks were acts of retaliation linked to long-standing grievances.
Referencing past efforts, Gumi claimed that former Bauchi State governor Isa Yuguda once met with over 5,000 bandits who complained of losing their families and livelihoods due to hostilities. He argued that Fulani herdsmen had historically lived peacefully with other ethnic groups and insisted that bandits “do not attack without cause.”
The cleric urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to focus on unifying and rehabilitating the armed groups rather than intensifying military action. He also compared bandits to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), claiming that, unlike IPOB, the bandits are open to dialogue and not pursuing secession.
Wave of Kidnappings Deepens Concern
Gumi’s remarks came at a time when attacks on communities, schools, and churches have escalated across the country. In the evening of 18 November 2025, gunmen stormed the CAC Oke-Isegun Church in Eruku, Kwara State, opening fire during a service. Three worshippers were killed, and 38 abducted.
Although the abductors initially demanded ₦100 million per hostage, the ransom was reportedly reduced to ₦20 million each before communication stalled. The incident added to a string of recent abductions, including the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger State, on Friday, 21 November just days after another mass school abduction on 17 November in Kebbi State.
In Niger State, authorities confirmed that 50 of the 303 students abducted from a Catholic school last week had escaped and reunited with their families. Meanwhile, further south in Kwara State, 38 church members kidnapped during a Thanksgiving service have regained their freedom after five days in captivity.
Falz Questions Government Response
Following the release of the Eruku church members, rapper and activist Folarin Falana (Falz) questioned the circumstances surrounding their rescue. In a statement on X, he demanded clarity on whether the abductors had been arrested or neutralised, arguing that simply recovering victims was not enough.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later announced the rescue of the 38 worshippers in Kwara State and 51 of the missing students in Niger State. He assured Nigerians that he was monitoring the security situation closely, adding that every citizen “has the right to safety.”
Falz, however, had earlier criticised the President over the attacks, accusing him of failing in his primary duty to protect lives and property.
Mounting Tension and Public Frustration
The spate of violence, coupled with Gumi’s continued defence of bandits, has amplified public anger and deepened the sense of insecurity across the nation. Many citizens, activists, and community leaders are demanding firmer action from the government, insisting that dialogue alone cannot address the scale of the crisis.
