Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has invoked curses on those responsible for the abduction of a student of the University of Jos.
He described Nigeria’s worsening kidnapping crisis as a failure of both leadership and strategy.
Gumi’s reaction followed the circulation of a viral video showing the student, identified as John Arum, in captivity, with his abductors demanding a N30 million ransom.
In a strongly worded statement, the cleric condemned the perpetrators, declaring that anyone involved in creating, supporting, or failing to address the situation should face divine punishment.
The cleric argued that Nigeria’s continued reliance on military force alone has failed to stem the tide of insecurity, insisting that a broader, more strategic response is urgently required.
He noted that evidence from security experts indicates that force-driven operations should only constitute part of the response, with greater emphasis on non-kinetic measures such as dialogue, mediation, and ideological reorientation.
Gumi warned that violence tends to harden criminal groups and may have contributed to their emergence, cautioning that excessive use of force could further entrench armed elements.
He advised against emotional reactions and conspiracy-driven narratives, urging both authorities and citizens to focus on practical solutions to the crisis.
The cleric stressed that the security threat is real and widespread, noting that anyone could become a victim if urgent steps are not taken.
Gumi also criticised what he described as the slow response of government institutions, warning that delays have allowed criminal groups to expand their operations.
According to him, the inability of the state to act decisively has emboldened non-state actors, enabling them to operate as organised networks capable of instilling fear and exerting pressure on communities.
The cleric, known for his controversial engagement with armed groups in parts of northern Nigeria, maintained that dialogue remains a viable tool for de-escalating violence.
His stance has continued to generate mixed reactions across the country.
While critics accuse him of legitimising criminal elements, supporters argue that his interventions have, in some cases, facilitated the release of victims where conventional security efforts proved ineffective.
The abducted student was reportedly taken while travelling to Kaduna, with the widely circulated footage of his captivity sparking outrage over the conditions in which he was held.
Reacting to the incident, the National Association of Nigerian Students issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government to secure his release.
The association warned that failure to act within the stipulated timeframe would trigger nationwide protests, increasing pressure on authorities to respond swiftly.
