Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has spoken out on renewed allegations regarding those believed to be backing terrorism in Nigeria.
The Kaduna-based scholar issued a stern public prayer on Thursday, asking for divine judgement against anyone benefiting from the violent killings unsettling communities across the country. His comments have again thrust him into the centre of national debate on insecurity.
Gumi delivered the prayer on his social media platform, appealing to God to expose the individuals—local or foreign—responsible for fuelling unrest. He declared that anyone who gains materially or otherwise from the ongoing bloodshed should face divine wrath, so long as no innocent person is caught in the process.
In his words: “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 sparked immediate reactions from Nigerians, rekindling discussions about Gumi’s long-running engagements with bandits. While some questioned his choice of words and revisited accusations of sympathy for criminal groups, others echoed the prayer and called for accountability.
Responding to critical comments, the cleric dismissed personal attacks and insisted that attention should be directed at the content of the prayer. He emphasised that his message targeted anyone enabling insecurity—whether through direct sponsorship, silent approval, or failure to act.
Gumi has remained a polarising figure for years due to his interactions with armed groups in the North-West. Although he maintains that his involvement is aimed at negotiation and peacebuilding, several organisations have repeatedly demanded his arrest, accusing him of emboldening bandits.
His latest statement appears intended to reinforce his position that Nigeria’s security crisis is driven not only by militants on the frontlines but also by hidden actors who profit from prolonged violence.
