Sheikh Gumi Curses Abductors Of UNIJOS Graduate, John Arum

Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has placed divine curses on the abductors of University of Jos graduate John Arum, describing the latest kidnapping as a damning sign of leadership failure in Nigeria’s security crisis.

The cleric made the remarks after a viral video surfaced showing Arum in captivity. Abductors are demanding N30 million ransom for the young graduate, who was seized along the notorious Jos-Kaduna highway while travelling with others. A second clip later placed him in Zamfara State, with threats to kill him if the money is not paid.

“May Allah destroy any person who helped in creating this situation or participated in any form, or neglected his or her duty in saving the situation, or is even happy about it,” Gumi declared in a strongly worded statement.

He blamed the worsening wave of abductions on poor strategy and over-reliance on military force alone. The cleric argued that such operations only harden criminal groups and, in some cases, created them.

Gumi urged authorities to adopt non-kinetic measures, including dialogue, mediation and ideological reorientation. “Violence only hardens them; in fact, it is what created them in the first place,” he said, warning that excessive force risks entrenching armed networks across the North.

He cautioned Nigerians against emotional outbursts and conspiracy theories. “There is no room or time for abuses, sentimental judgment, or conspiracy theories. The danger is real and anybody can be a victim tomorrow,” Gumi added.

The cleric also slammed the slow response from government institutions. He said such gaps have emboldened non-state actors, turning them into powerful syndicates that terrorise communities from Plateau to Kaduna and Zamfara.

Known for his past engagements with bandit groups in the North, Gumi has always pushed dialogue as a practical tool. His position has drawn sharp criticism from those who accuse him of softening on criminals, while supporters credit him with helping free hostages where bullets failed.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has given the Federal Government and Plateau State a 48-hour ultimatum to secure Arum’s release or face nationwide protests and shutdown of academic activities. The student body said the abduction of a fresh graduate preparing for NYSC shows how no Nigerian is safe on the roads anymore.