The Federal Government asserted its commitment to holding individuals accountable for provocative or "reckless" comments, emphasizing that everyone is subject to the law. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this statement after the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, warning that no one is above the law.
Following the kidnapping of 287 pupils from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi offered to negotiate with the abductors. He suggested that allowing him to engage in dialogue could help secure the release of the abducted schoolchildren, cautioning against repeating the mistake of the previous administration by refusing to negotiate with bandits.
When asked about Sheikh Gumi's controversial comments and interventions, Minister Idris acknowledged that the cleric had been detained by security agencies in the past over his remarks. He emphasized that the government would pursue anyone deemed to have questions to answer, stating that security agencies are actively investigating such statements.
Efforts to reach Sheikh Gumi for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was unanswered. Minister Idris also clarified that no ransom was paid for the release of 137 kidnapped pupils in Kaduna and 17 Islamic school pupils in Sokoto. He commended the security services for their role in safely returning the abductees and vowed to apprehend and punish all those involved in the kidnappings.
