Following the abduction of 287 schoolchildren and teachers from Kuriga, Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has expressed willingness to facilitate discussions between the Federal Government and bandits across to secure the release of all abducted Nigerians.
The Islamic scholar said, if invited by the Federal Government, he would, as a religious duty for him, be willing to assist in negotiating with all the bandits across the country that have kidnapped Nigerians and are holding them captive, not just those involved in kidnapping the Kuriga schoolchildren.
Speaking in reaction to Saturday’s statement by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state, in the wake of the Kuriga incident, that the state will never negotiate with bandits and terrorists, Sheikh Gumi, expressed concern over the decision of the Kaduna state government not to negotiations with the bandits involved in the abduction of the 287 schoolchildren from Government Secondary School Kuriga and LEA Primary Schools Kuriga, describing it as regrettable.
Though Governor Uba Sani said on Saturday, when he received Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, that efforts are being made by government working with the Community and security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted Kuriga schoolchildren and teachers, Sheikh Gumi wanted more done, five days after the abduction, to quickly return the captives back home to their parents safely.
Sheikh Gumi suggested that the government should adopt the same method it used to rescue the Abuja-Kaduna train passengers, who were kidnapped on March 28, 2022, on their way to Kaduna. He also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration not to repeat the mistake made by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who refused to engage in discussions with bandits.
According to Gumi, “the government’s stand of no negotiation with the bandits is an unfortunate position. My advice is that the government should dialogue with the bandits not only for these Kuriga school children abduction but all the cases.
The government should use the same approach it used in releasing passengers that were abducted on Abuja – Kaduna train in 2022 to release the Kuriga school children and others.
“I am ready to lead a holistic dialogue between the government and bandits. It is a religious duty for me to do so for peace. I hope the present government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will listen by dialoguing with the bandits because the past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari refused to do.”
Sheikh Gumi offers to dialogue with bandits to secure captives’ release if…
