Renowned Kaduna-based Muslim cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the bandits responsible for the abduction of approximately 287 schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Gumi made this revelation to facilitate the safe release of the abducted schoolchildren, provided that President Bola Tinubu grants him the opportunity to negotiate.
The prominent Islamic scholar emphasized that Tinubu should avoid repeating the perceived mistake of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who opted not to engage in dialogue with bandits.
The incident unfolded as bandits launched an attack on the Kuriga area of the Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna State, indiscriminately firing at their victims before seizing at least 280 pupils and teachers from both educational institutions.
Gumi’s offer to mediate underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation, highlighting the need for swift and decisive action to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals and to prevent similar incidents in the future.