Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has suggested that the United States and other foreign powers interested in Nigeria could possibly be involved in supplying weapons to bandits operating across the country.
Gumi made the remarks during an interview with a journalist from PAPShow TV, where he was questioned about the persistent killings, kidnappings and attacks targeting ordinary Nigerians.
During the interview, the journalist asked why civilians appeared to be bearing the greatest burden of insecurity while politicians seemed less exposed to attacks.
Responding, Gumi said he and other religious leaders had previously questioned bandits about the violence. He claimed that some bandits complained about military operations and alleged killings involving their women and children.
According to the cleric, the situation has created a cycle of revenge, with attacks and killings continuing from one side to another.
He argued that religious leaders have a responsibility to help stop the bloodshed, insisting that the level of violence has become alarming.
Gumi Explains Why Some Bandits Fear Stopping Attacks
Gumi also claimed that some bandits believe they would be killed if they abandoned violence and surrendered.
He suggested that the government and other stakeholders would need to provide assurances that those willing to abandon criminal activities would not be killed.
According to him, some bandits have expressed frustration over the continuous bloodshed but allegedly fear the consequences of stopping their activities.
Gumi Links Ransom Payments to Weapons Purchases
The cleric was also questioned about the millions of naira collected from families whose relatives are kidnapped.
Gumi claimed that ransom payments are used by bandits to purchase weapons, including machine guns and other sophisticated firearms.
When asked who supplies the weapons, he described the arms trade as an illegal black market where individuals with enough money could obtain firearms.
Gumi Suggests Foreign Powers Could Be Involved
One of the most controversial moments of the interview came when the journalist asked whether foreign intelligence agencies could be involved in supplying weapons to bandits.
Gumi responded that he believed foreign interests could have a role in the illegal arms trade.
He referred to international conflicts and argued that powerful countries sometimes provide weapons to groups or parties involved in conflicts when they have strategic interests.
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>When the journalist specifically asked whether America could be behind the arming of terrorists in Nigeria, Gumi replied:"It's possible. Any other foreign that is interested in Nigeria, they could be possibly behind them."
No Evidence Presented to Establish America's Involvement
Although Gumi made the allegations during the interview, he did not present independently verified evidence establishing that the United States or its intelligence agencies are supplying weapons to Nigerian bandits.
His comments have therefore raised further questions about the sources of weapons used by armed groups operating across Nigeria.
The allegations also bring renewed attention to the country's security challenges and the need to investigate the illegal arms trade and those financing criminal activities.</p>
What is your reaction to Sheikh Ahmad Gumi's claims that foreign powers could be involved in supplying weapons to bandits in Nigeria?
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