Days after the abduction of approximately 287 schoolchildren from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State by bandits, prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi expressed his willingness to facilitate dialogue between the Federal Government and the bandits. He aims to secure the release of the abducted children and other Nigerian hostages.
In an interview, Gumi urged Tinubu not to repeat the mistakes of his predecessor, who prevented him from engaging in talks with the bandits, hindering efforts to free captives.
He advocated for the government to employ the same strategies used to secure the release of passengers kidnapped on the Abuja-Kaduna-bound train on March 28, 2022.
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“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 schoolchildren’s abductions but in all cases.”
“Also, 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 schoolchildren 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,” he said.