Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has reiterated his stance that dialogue with underprivileged and violent groups remains the most effective solution to Nigeria’s persistent insecurity.
In a Facebook post shared on Thursday, Gumi argued that years of neglect and socio-economic imbalance have created fertile ground for unrest, particularly among young people. He said many youths, faced with limited opportunities, are easily drawn into violent activities and manipulated by external interests.
According to him, the growing divide between wealthy and poor Nigerians has produced a pool of vulnerable individuals who are readily recruited into cycles of violence. He warned that such instability ultimately enables the exploitation of the country’s resources.
The cleric also criticised Nigeria’s political leadership, describing it as largely unresponsive to the underlying issues driving insecurity. He added that the country’s intellectual class is equally constrained, as many are focused on daily survival rather than contributing to long-term solutions.
Reflecting on his past interventions, Gumi recalled efforts in 2021 to engage and reintegrate individuals involved in violent activities. He said the initiative was aimed at preventing further radicalisation and reducing the influence of external actors.
Despite mixed reactions to his approach, the cleric maintained that engagement remains the most realistic path to restoring peace. He emphasised that achieving meaningful results would require strong political commitment and sustained action.
Gumi concluded by expressing hope for national stability, offering prayers for peace across the country.
