Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has intensified his commentary on Nigeria’s security challenges, posting a powerful prayer on social media Thursday that calls for divine punishment on those profiting from the nation’s violence.
In a Facebook post titled “My Prayer Today,” Gumi asked God to expose and hold accountable all individuals and entities—foreign or domestic—responsible for, benefiting from, or complicit in the ongoing bloodshed across Nigeria.
He wrote: “Ya Allah! Whoever initiated or is behind this insecurity and bloodbath in Nigeria, whether foreign or citizen, or has any benefit, material or otherwise, or is even happy that people are being killed, or willingly did nothing to stop it, may Your divine power expose them and Your anger descend upon them, punishing them immediately without harming the innocent. Amin. Say Amin!”
The post sparked debate online, with some followers questioning his approach. One user, Sani Badamasi, commented: “Let me tell you something, you may not know with all due respect, sir. Telling the bandits they were cheated is part of encouragement; sympathising with them is also part of it—not only giving them weapons or money. Some words are more dangerous than weapons.”
Gumi has long positioned himself as a mediator between the government and bandit groups, advocating dialogue alongside security operations.
In November, he defended his approach after critics accused him of shielding armed groups by urging negotiations instead of relying solely on military force.
In interviews, including one on Channels Television, Gumi emphasized that some armed factions are willing to lay down their weapons, and the government should consider non-kinetic strategies to complement military efforts in restoring peace.
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