Prominent and controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has stirred nationwide conversation once again after issuing a forceful public prayer that targets individuals who are allegedly benefiting from the terrorism and insecurity affecting Nigeria. The Kaduna based scholar released the message on Thursday through his social media page. The statement immediately sparked a new wave of scrutiny regarding his long standing involvement in discussions about insecurity in the North.
In the prayer, Gumi asked God to expose and punish all persons who promote, support, finance, or gain from the bloodshed that continues to affect communities across the country. He warned that both Nigerian citizens and foreign actors who profit from the crisis should face divine judgment. His tone suggested deep frustration with what he described as hidden forces that continue to fuel violence for political or financial gain.
Gumi 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 by Your divine power be exposed and Your anger poured upon them and punished immediately without harm to the innocent. Amin. Say Amin.”
The prayer quickly spread across social media platforms. It drew thousands of responses from Nigerians who have closely followed Gumi’s controversial engagement with bandits and armed groups in the North West. While some users agreed with the prayer and expressed hope that God would expose those responsible for fuelling insecurity, others accused the cleric of using emotional statements to divert attention from his own activities.
Many critics argued that Gumi’s history of meeting directly with bandits has contributed to the widespread perception that he may be sympathetic to their cause. Although he has repeatedly denied these accusations, critics suggested that his prayer was an attempt to reposition himself in the public eye and distance himself from persistent allegations of covert support for criminal groups.
Supporters of Gumi, however, defended him in the comment section. They insisted that his prayer was universal and was directed at all individuals responsible for the spread of violence. They included politicians, foreign collaborators, saboteurs within security structures, and profiteers who benefit from arms smuggling and ransom payments.
Responding to the backlash, Gumi addressed his critics directly. He dismissed the accusations aimed at him and urged Nigerians to focus on the substance of the prayer rather than his personality. According to him, insecurity persists because many people benefit from the chaos and have no genuine interest in restoring peace.
He said, “People should stop personalizing the issue. The prayer is for anyone who in any form contributes to the worsening insecurity in Nigeria. Whether they support it openly, profit from it secretly, or remain indifferent while others suffer, the message is for them.”
Gumi’s role in matters of national security has long been a subject of controversy. Over the years, he has held several meetings with armed groups in forests across Kaduna and Zamfara. He has argued that his actions were directed toward encouraging dialogue and pursuing peaceful solutions. His methods have, however, been criticized by government officials, security analysts, and civil society groups who believe that such engagements legitimize criminal organizations.
Some organizations have repeatedly called for his arrest. They claim he has provided moral cover for bandits by advocating negotiation rather than military action. Gumi has defended himself by maintaining that dialogue is the most realistic method of ending violence, and he has warned that ongoing military operations may worsen the crisis.
His latest statement appears to reinforce his long standing claim that insecurity in Nigeria is a complex problem influenced by multiple layers of actors. According to him, the crisis is driven not only by the individuals carrying out the attacks but also by hidden beneficiaries who profit from prolonged instability, illegal weapon sales, ransom payments, and political manipulation.
As the prayer continues to generate debate, analysts believe that the renewed controversy surrounding Gumi reflects the deep mistrust many Nigerians have regarding the true forces behind insecurity. They argue that until the government confronts the alleged involvement of political, economic, and foreign interests, the cycle of violence is likely to continue.
For now, Gumi’s declaration has revived public discussion about who truly benefits from Nigeria’s prolonged insecurity and whether his comments represent a genuine call for justice or another chapter in his complex relationship with national security issues.
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