Kaduna Governor Uba Sani clarified that Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Kaduna-based Muslim cleric, played no part in securing the safe return of abducted Kuriga pupils. The children were rescued by the military, with assistance from local authorities in neighbouring Zamfara State, where the kidnappers had taken them.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, Governor Sani noted that while Sheikh Gumi had offered to negotiate with the bandits for the release of the pupils, he was not involved in their actual rescue. He dismissed speculations about ransom payments, emphasizing that Gumi was not part of the rescue operation.
Governor Sani addressed rumors circulating in some circles, stating, "All those speculations you are hearing today are figments of some people’s imagination." He further asserted, "I can tell you that without any fear of contradiction. There was nothing like Gumi in this operation. I can tell you. I won’t undermine the efforts of our Armed Forces."
The successful rescue of the Kuriga pupils highlights the collaborative efforts between the military, local authorities, and the community in combating kidnapping and securing the safety of citizens.
