Gumi Questions Government's Engagement with Boko Haram

Ahmad Gumi, a controversial Islamic cleric, questioned the lack of government engagement with Boko Haram terrorists and bandits in Nigeria, contrasting it with the approach taken by former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who both visited Niger Delta militants to negotiate peace. Gumi noted that these leaders returned with programs aimed at reducing militancy in the region.

He asked who would be willing to engage Boko Haram and bandits without facing public backlash. Gumi has long advocated for dialogue with armed groups in the North-West and North-East, having visited bandit camps to understand their grievances.

His efforts have received mixed reactions, with some accusing him of legitimizing violence while others credit him with helping secure the release of kidnap victims. Gumi insists his goal is to end violence through dialogue and rehabilitation, similar to the Niger Delta amnesty program initiated in 2009 under Umaru Yar’Adua and continued by Jonathan.