According to RUN, the priest from Kaduna has a particular relationship with bandits who have been terrorizing the country’s north by kidnapping people regularly.
The group said that Sheikh Gumi’s continuous backing of terrorists and bandits, together with his readiness to negotiate on their behalf, compromised the rule of law and endangered national security in a press release released on Sunday.
Regarding Sheikh Gumi’s actions and remarks, Mallam Suleiman Musa and Amb. Solomon Adodo, the Convener and Secretary of RUN, raised grave concerns.
The fact that Sheikh Gumi only speaks out in support of these bandits when they carry out their horrible deeds is concerning. His conversations imply that he is an important participant in their lives, not just a sympathizer.
“His true colors are revealed by his disobedience and willingness to serve as a go-between for terrorists, particularly in the wake of the kidnapping of nearly 280 Kuriga kids. The new administration will not allow this kind of behavior, according to RUN.
The group then went on to denounce Gumi’s recent statements, in which he made a parallel between the situation in the Niger Delta and the North’s banditry crisis.
He suggested giving bandits the same breaks as militants in the Niger Delta in exchange for protecting pipelines. These remarks were condemned by RUN as tantamount to starting hostilities with the Nigerian government.
“The line separating discussion into complicity is quite narrow. Given Gumi’s suggestion that contracts be used to incentivize illegal behavior, what message are we conveying to Nigeria’s law-abiding citizens?
The Defense Headquarters was also called by RUN, who urged them to give the nation’s territorial integrity top priority by taking Gumi’s detention into consideration.
Gumi’s behaviors, according to the group, closely mirror those of a person planning bandit operations for their own gain.
“We beg the Chief of Defense Staff to give Gumi more attention, possibly even adding his name to the list of sought individuals. The statement said, “His arrest is essential to ascertain the entire scope of his cooperation with these criminals, especially in Kaduna.
The group was concerned that inaction would weaken public confidence and jeopardize the security forces’ efforts, particularly in areas where kidnappings and banditry had plagued the area for more than ten years.