Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has expressed his willingness to engage in talks with the bandits responsible for the abduction of 287 schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in Chikun Local Government Area. He hopes to secure their release if given the opportunity by President Bola Tinubu for negotiations. Gumi emphasized the importance of dialogue, criticizing the stance of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who refused to negotiate with bandits.
The bandits attacked Kuriga, shooting at their victims before abducting at least 280 pupils and teachers. This incident came shortly after insurgents kidnapped 200 internally displaced women in Ngala, Borno State, while they were fetching firewood. Residents of Gonin-Gora in Chikun LGA protested against the abduction of an unspecified number of people following a similar incident. Despite these events, the Kaduna State government has declined to negotiate with the bandits for the release of the schoolchildren.
In response to the government's position, Gumi urged for dialogue, citing the successful negotiation for the release of passengers abducted on the Abuja-Kaduna train in 2022 as a model. He expressed readiness to facilitate talks between the government and bandits for peace. Gumi has previously mediated for the release of abducted individuals and has been commended for his efforts in seeking the release of abducted persons in the country.
