Inter-faith group demands arrest of Gumi as youths warn ‘touch cleric, touch fire’

National Inter-Faith Movement has called on security agencies to arrest Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, and have him explain his relationship with bandits involved in the kidnap of hapless Nigerians in the northern part of the country.

The call came against the backdrop of the arrest and prosecution of Gumi’s ally, Tukur Mamu, who negotiated the release of some of the hostages in the March 28, 2022 train attack in Kaduna, where large sums of money were said to have exchanged hands.

Commending Department of State Services (DSS) for Mamu’s arrest, the movement observed that relative peace has returned to the North West, especially the troubled Abuja-Kaduna expressway, since Mamu was nabbed.

In a statement by its national president, Rev. Amos Adah, the group urged security agencies to go a step further by ensuring Gumi explains to Nigerians his links with terrorists.

It said: “We have followed with keen interest the investigation and arrest of Mamu by the DSS. We must say that this proves that our security agencies are working without mincing words. The DSS also acted timely by taking Mamu to court.

“However, they must not rest on their oars. If there is evidence to tie down Mamu, certainly, there will be more, linked to his master, Gumi. Thus, we charge our gallant officers to take the next brave step to arrest and prosecute Gumi.

“Gumi has never hidden his love for bandits, so much that he once called for amnesty. These are people who killed and maimed thousands of unarmed civilians; women and children, including our family members.

“Consequently, we demand the immediate arrest and interrogation of Gumi who, by now, should be a person of interest to all intelligence and law enforcement agencies. He must tell Nigerians all he knows about the attack on the train, which led to the death and kidnap of citizens from whom large sums were collected as ransom.”

MEANWHILE, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) expressed dissatisfaction with an earlier call by Coalition of Peace in Nigeria (COPIN) for the arrest and prosecution of Gumi, warning of dire consequences.

A statement, titled: ‘Touch Gumi, Touch Fire’, issued by NYCN National President, Isah Abubakar, explained: “It has come to our notice, with dissatisfaction and concern, a call by some faceless individuals, under the aegis of COPIN, calling on the DSS to immediately arrest Sheikh Gumi over alleged romance with bandits/terrorists.

“It is important that the so-called faceless group’s leaders take note that Gumi’s interference was borne out of his desire to see his region and people enjoy security, peace and protection of human dignity in the North and North West.”