Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi has characterised the abduction of schoolchildren as a “lesser evil” compared to the killing of soldiers, insisting that Nigeria must engage in negotiations with bandits to avert further bloodshed.
In an interview with the BBC shared on Tuesday, Gumi acknowledged that while the abduction of minors is “evil,” it is less severe than murder—particularly in cases where kidnapped children are ultimately released unharmed.
“To say that kidnapping children is a lesser evil than killing your soldiers is certainly true. Killing is worse, but they are all evils. It’s merely a lesser evil. Not all evils hold the same weight.”
He referenced previous incidents, including the mass abduction in Kebbi State, arguing that the victims were released without fatalities.
“So, it’s a lesser evil compared to what occurred in Kebbi. They abducted children, and they were freed. They were not killed.”
These comments come as over 315 individuals—303 students and 12 teachers—were kidnapped in Niger State.
On 7 December, the Federal Government announced the release of 100 students, while an earlier report confirmed the escape of 50 others just days after the kidnapping.
“It’s an evil, and we pray that they escape,” Gumi replied briefly when asked what he would say to their parents.
Gumi also defended his long-standing belief that negotiating with bandits is inevitable, describing engagement with bandits and other non-state actors as a practical approach to achieving peace and saving lives, stating that “everyone negotiates with bandits.”
“That notion of ‘we don’t negotiate’—I don’t know where it originated. It’s not found in the Bible or the Quran.
“In fact, it’s not even practical. Everyone is negotiating with outlaws and non-state actors. So who came up with that idea, and where did they acquire that knowledge? We negotiate for peace and our strategic interests. If negotiation can halt bloodshed, we will pursue it.”
The cleric emphasised that his previous engagements with bandits were conducted in conjunction with the authorities.
“I do not go there alone; I go with the authorities.
