Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has sparked intense debate and criticism online after remarks in which he appeared to link kidnapping and banditry activities to the need for funding amid ongoing security pressure in Nigeria.
In comments that have since gone viral, Gumi suggested that armed groups involved in kidnappings depend heavily on ransom payments to sustain their operations, claiming they are being pushed by security offensives.
“The terrorists need all the money they’re getting from kidnapping. It’s not like they are living luxurious lives; the government is putting too much pressure on them so they need money to finance their war machines,” he was quoted as saying during an interview with AIT News.
He further added, “If they leave banditry, they won’t have source of financing their war machine,” suggesting that continued military pressure contributes to their reliance on criminal activity.
The remarks quickly triggered widespread backlash across social media platforms, with many Nigerians accusing him of appearing to rationalise or sympathise with violent groups responsible for killings and abductions.
The remarks triggered a wave of reactions from social media users.
A user reacting to the cleric’s comments on X, @UmehWrites expressed outrage, suggesting the remarks were alarming and inappropriate, @UmehWrites wrote: “He actually said ‘The govt is bombing us’ like ‘US’… he’s announcing he’s part of the terrorists. I try to avoid this man’s videos cos I don’t know how he still hasn’t been locked behind bars.”
Another user, @mc1yke, questioned the wider implications of allowing such statements in a country battling insurgency and kidnapping crises, @mc1yke added, “Boko Haram is a state-sponsored terrorist group… why would a government let people like Gumi work freely in a country like Nigeria where Boko Haram is killing thousands?”
@SwitchNigeriaNG focused on political accountability, suggesting stronger action from leadership in response to such figures. @SwitchNigeriaNG wrote, “Tinubu would never take him out because like Miyetti Allah… I however believe, if he wins second tenure, he might damn the consequences and put people like Gumi in jail.”
@NigIsland reacted with frustration over the justification of criminal activity amid ongoing insecurity, @NigIsland said: “It is a total disgrace that anyone would try to justify kidnapping… These people are not struggling, they are cowards who should be stopped.”
Drawing comparisons with international responses to similar figures, @Benjinku noted, “Saudi Arabia arrested and locked this terrorist up… but Nigeria is allowing him to move around freely and openly sympathise with terrorists on TV.”
@KingByronX expressed confusion and concern over the cleric’s framing of the issue, @KingByronX questioned the statement, saying: “I genuinely don’t understand why anyone would make a statement like this when innocent Nigerians are suffering daily from kidnapping and terrorism.”
Condemning the tone and language of the remarks, @PhoenixTv01 reacted more strongly: “Lives are being lost daily… and this old, useless, foolish… white bearded he goat is busy defending perpetrators of this evil…”
@FubaraD1 also criticised the situation, calling for accountability and questioning freedom of movement, @FubaraD1 also wrote: “Why is this still walking free out there? This is a double standard of justice.
The online backlash continues to grow, with many users demanding accountability and a clearer response to comments perceived as sympathetic to armed groups involved in violent crimes across the country.
