Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, on Thursday broke his silence on ongoing allegations surrounding the sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria, offering a strongly worded public prayer calling for divine punishment on anyone benefitting from the country’s insecurity.
The Kaduna-based scholar made the remarks on his social media page, asking God to expose and punish individuals—whether Nigerian or foreign—who profit directly or indirectly from the violence.
Gumi wrote, “Ya Allah! Whoever initiated or is behind this insecurity and bloodbath in Nigeria, whether foreign or citizen, or has any benefit, material or otherwise, or is even happy that people are being killed, or willingly did nothing to stop it, may by Your divine power be exposed and Your anger poured upon them and punished immediately without harm to the innocent. Amin. Say Amin!”
The post generated widespread reactions, with many Nigerians revisiting ongoing debates about Gumi’s engagements with armed groups. Some social media users questioned his stance and past comments, while others echoed the prayer and called for accountability.
Responding to some of the reactions in the comment section, Gumi urged Nigerians to focus on the substance of the prayer rather than his personality, insisting it was directed at anyone enabling insecurity through sponsorship, encouragement or inaction.
Gumi has been a recurring figure in national discussions on insecurity due to his interactions with armed groups in the North-West. He has previously defended his engagements as efforts toward negotiation, though various groups have at times called for his arrest over alleged sympathies for bandits.
His latest remarks come amid renewed public scrutiny of individuals believed to be benefitting from the prolonged violence across parts of the country.
