Controversial Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has asserted that the mass abduction of children by bandits is a “lesser evil” when compared to the killing of military officers.
Gumi made the assertion during an interview with BBC Pidgin, emphasizing that while all activities of bandits causing chaos are evil, there is a clear distinction in severity.
The Islamic scholar defended his controversial ranking of the evils perpetuated by the bandits terrorising communities across the North-West.
“Kidnapping children is lesser evil than killing of soldiers. They are all evil but killing is worse than abduction. Like what happened in Kebbi, the abducted schoolgirls were released,” the Islamic scholar said.
Gumi, who has often advocated for dialogue and granting amnesty to bandits, maintained that saving lives should be the priority, even if it means negotiating the release of abducted persons.
Contrary to frequent claims of his alleged ties to the armed groups, Gumi stated he has never met with the bandits alone.
He further clarified that the last time he held a meeting with the bandits was in 2021.
Speaking on the plight of the schoolchildren recently abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State, Gumi said he prays that they escape.
