In the wake of the recent abduction of over 280 school children from Kuriga primary school in Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, controversial Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged the government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to engage in dialogue with bandits for the release of the abducted children.
Gumi, who has previously advocated for dialogue with bandits, criticized the Kaduna State government's decision not to negotiate with the kidnappers.
He argued that the government should learn from the past and adopt a more effective approach to secure the release of the children, as well as other cases of abduction.
In a statement, Gumi said, "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 school children abduction but all the cases."
Gumi also expressed his willingness to lead a holistic dialogue between the government and the bandits, citing it as a religious duty to do so for the sake of peace.
He expressed hope that the new administration of President Tinubu would listen to his advice and engage in dialogue, unlike the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, which had refused to do so.
The Islamic scholar suggested that the government should adopt a similar approach to the one used in the release of passengers abducted from the Abuja-Kaduna train in 2022.
He believes that this method would be more effective in securing the release of the Kuriga school children and others who have been taken hostage by the bandits.
As the nation grapples with the issue of abductions, particularly in the education industry, the call for dialogue by Sheikh Gumi presents an alternative approach to dealing with the situation.
It remains to be seen whether the new administration will heed his advice and engage in dialogue with the bandits, in an effort to secure the release of the abducted children and bring an end to the cycle of violence.
