Kaduna, Nigeria – Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has once again ignited massive outrage after declaring that terrorists and bandits are inseparable from Nigerian society and that citizens must learn to coexist with them peacefully.…....
In a statement that has gone viral, Sheikh Gumi said:
“Terrorists are going nowhere. They are part of us, and we are part of them. We must learn to live together and should never become enemies with them.”
The fiery remark, which many have interpreted as referring to bandits and herdsmen involved in widespread killings, kidnappings, and school abductions across the North, has drawn sharp criticism from Nigerians who accuse the cleric of sympathising with terrorists.
Gumi, a well-known advocate for dialogue with armed groups instead of military crackdowns, has repeatedly argued that bandits are deeply embedded in Nigerian society — particularly among Fulani communities — and that endless confrontation will only worsen the insecurity crisis.
His latest comments come amid ongoing banditry in states like Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Oyo, where schools have been attacked, students kidnapped, and communities displaced. Critics say statements like this discourage decisive action against criminals terrorising innocent citizens.
Social media has exploded with reactions, with many Nigerians calling the comments “dangerous” and “treasonous.” Others have demanded that security agencies investigate or arrest the cleric, while his supporters insist he is only pushing for practical solutions through negotiation rather than endless warfare.
This is not the first time Sheikh Gumi has courted controversy. He has previously negotiated with bandit groups for the release of hostages and consistently opposed labelling them as terrorists, claiming such moves could fracture the country further.
As insecurity continues to claim lives daily, Gumi’s position has deepened the national debate: Should Nigeria negotiate with terrorists or crush them militarily?
The statement has already divided public opinion, with hashtags trending as angry citizens demand answers from both the government and religious leaders.
What are your thoughts on Sheikh Gumi’s position?
