According to the Nigerian Tribune, prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has stirred controversy by labeling the kidnapping of schoolchildren as a “lesser evil” compared to the killing of soldiers. He stressed that Nigeria should negotiate with bandits to prevent larger-scale bloodshed and combat terrorism.
In a BBC interview shared on Tuesday, Gumi admitted that abducting children is morally wrong but argued that it is less severe than taking lives, particularly when the children are safely returned.
He stated, “Saying that kidnapping children is a lesser evil than killing your soldiers, definitely is lesser. Killing is worse than, but they are all evil. It’s just a lesser evil. Not all evils are of the same power.”
Gumi referenced past incidents to support his argument, citing mass abductions in Kebbi State where the children were ultimately released unharmed.
“So it’s a lesser evil than, like, what happened in Kebbi. They abducted children, and they were released. They didn’t kill them,” he said, suggesting that while kidnapping is unquestionably wrong, it carries a lower human cost than deliberate killings.
His comments follow the recent mass kidnapping in Niger State, where over 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers—were abducted.
According to Tribune Online, the Federal Government reported on Sunday that 100 students had been released, while an earlier update confirmed that 50 others had escaped just days after the incident.
When asked what message he would give to the parents of those affected, Gumi responded carefully, saying, “It’s an evil, and we pray that they escape,” showing both his acknowledgment of the harm caused and his concern for the victims’ safe return.
Gumi strongly urged negotiations with bandits as a practical and necessary step to save lives and restore peace in affected areas.
He argued that engaging with non-state actors becomes inevitable in such situations, noting that dialogue is often part of resolving conflicts.
He added, “That word ‘we don’t negotiate’, I don’t know where they got it from. It’s not in the Bible. It’s not in the Quran,” emphasizing his view that religious teachings do not forbid pragmatic efforts to protect human life. Gumi maintained that a rigid refusal to negotiate with kidnappers or bandits could exacerbate the crisis, potentially resulting in more killings and prolonging insecurity. View, More,
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