Prominent Islamic cleric and former military officer, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has reignited the call for the federal government to initiate negotiations with bandits to secure the release of abducted Nigerians.
Having previously attempted to convince the government during ex-President Muhammadu Buhari's tenure, Sheikh Gumi expressed his willingness to facilitate comprehensive discussions between the government and the bandits.
In a recent statement, he cautioned President Bola Tinubu against repeating the "mistake" made by Buhari, emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the abduction of 287 students from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in Kaduna State.
The cleric advocates for a diplomatic resolution, citing the successful approach used in the 2022 release of passengers abducted on the Abuja–Kaduna train. Sheikh Gumi's call for negotiations underscores a renewed push for peaceful dialogue amidst the government's reluctance to engage with the kidnappers.
