Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has claimed that the recent surge in schoolchildren kidnappings across northern Nigeria is being exploited to promote what he describes as an “unpatriotic narration of Christian genocide.”
Gumi made the comments on his verified Facebook page, according to multiple local news outlets, including Leadership Newspaper and NigerianEye.
Gumi: Insecurity Being Politicised
The cleric argued that although the abductions are real and deeply concerning, certain groups are allegedly using them to advance divisive religious narratives.
According to him, the framing of the kidnappings as targeted attacks aimed exclusively at Christian students is misleading and “engineered to create unnecessary tension across religious lines.”
Gumi maintains that Muslim children have also been victims of recent abductions, insisting that insecurity affects every community.
He described the ongoing wave of kidnappings as “a burning candle,” expressing hope that it would eventually be extinguished “by Allah’s will.”
Background: Rising Abductions Trigger Nationwide Concern
Nigeria has faced a troubling resurgence of mass abductions in schools over the past weeks, with attacks recorded in Niger, Katsina, and parts of the Middle Belt.
Human rights groups and religious bodies have issued warnings about the growing vulnerability of schoolchildren.
While some Christian organisations have described the attacks as evidence of a targeted persecution campaign, Gumi contends that such interpretations risk deepening national divisions.
Pattern of Previous Critiques
This is not the first time the cleric has challenged narratives around religious persecution. Earlier this month, he was reported by SaharaReporters as criticising certain Middle Belt groups for allegedly “fabricating” elements of Christian genocide claims — an accusation that sparked widespread debate.
Calls for Caution in Public Commentary
Security analysts warn that statements from influential religious figures carry significant weight in an already polarised environment.
Experts stress the need for restraint, accurate reporting, and sensitivity in public discourse to avoid escalating tensions.
Government officials have yet to formally respond to Gumi’s latest remarks.
📄 References
- Leadership Newspaper – School Children Abduction Engineered To Serve ‘Unpatriotic Narration’ — Gumi
https://leadership.ng/school-children-abduction-engineered-to-serve-unpatriotic-narration-gumi/ - NigerianEye – Schoolchildren Kidnappings Engineered To Push Christian Genocide Narrative — Gumi
https://www.nigerianeye.com/2025/11/schoolchildren-kidnappings-engineered.html - SaharaReporters – Sheikh Gumi Accuses Middle Belt Groups of Fabricating Christian Genocide
https://saharareporters.com/2025/11/12/sheikh-gumi-accuses-middle-belt-groups-fabricating-christian-genocide-burying-empty
