Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese has urged the Federal Government to conduct a thorough investigation into individuals who claim to have connections with bandits, questioning why such assertions have not been properly scrutinized by the authorities. During an interview with Channels TV, Bishop Kukah expressed his concern over the government’s apparent lack of action towards individuals openly admitting knowledge and interactions with bandits.
“There are key Nigerians who are openly claiming to know more than the rest of us about the bandits, and I think it is the responsibility of the Federal Government to identify those who claim to know the whereabouts of the bandits and those collaborating with them,” Bishop Kukah stated.
This call for action comes at a time of heightened concern over the increasing incidents of kidnappings, particularly affecting schools across the country. Bishop Kukah also highlighted the psychological impact these abductions could have on children, citing the recent release of 137 schoolchildren kidnapped in Kuriga, Kaduna State.
In a related development, the Federal Government announced that Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has been summoned for questioning over his controversial remarks regarding bandit activities. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and Orientation, emphasized that no one, including Sheikh Gumi, is above the law. He stated that if Sheikh Gumi’s suggestions are constructive for the security agencies, they will be considered; however, if his statements are deemed reckless, he will be reprimanded.
Idris reiterated that security agencies are actively addressing national security concerns and that anyone making remarks that could jeopardize security will be subject to further investigation.