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I’m a peacemaker and not spokesman to armed groups – Sheik Gumi

Published

2 months ago

November 26, 2025

Popular Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has denied supporting bandits, insisting he is involved only in peace efforts, as calls for his arrest grow amid a new wave of kidnappings across northern Nigeria that has forced school closures and triggered fresh security crackdowns by the Federal Government. He spoke during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu.

Gumi rejected the calls for his arrest following the recent sentencing of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment and the government’s clampdown on Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho. He said his engagement with armed groups does not amount to endorsement, describing his role as strictly humanitarian and centred on conflict resolution.

“I am absolutely a peacemaker. I don’t want bloodshed. Nigerians forget that our military men are dying too. We recently lost a Brigadier General because of a stalemate with Boko Haram,” he said. According to him, “These terrorists are supported by international interest groups who supply them logistics, weapons and intelligence. So, we are not fighting a ragtag group, we are fighting an international network.”

The cleric argued that some armed herders lacked any channel to express their grievances, pushing them into violent confrontations. “It is like a doctor explaining an illness. People accuse the doctor of supporting the sickness. Understanding their side is the only way to propose a cure,” he added.

He said dialogue remains the only sustainable approach to resolving the crisis, insisting military force alone cannot end the conflict. “Peace is still sweeter than war. Many of these fighters believe they are ready to die. We must show them the value of peace, education, hospitals and a better life. Their brutality is a sign of weakness, not strength,” he said.

On claims that insecurity in Nigeria is being fuelled by foreign networks, Gumi maintained that terrorist activity is not isolated from external interests. “Boko Haram, yes. There are professional, international interests involved, foreign bodies that supply them weapons and intelligence. The bandits, on the other hand, have more rudimentary weapons,” he stated.

He dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comment that Nigeria is witnessing genocide, calling it misleading. “There is no Christian-Muslim war in Nigeria. Anyone pushing that narrative is not telling the truth,” he said. He described Trump as uninformed, adding, “Trump is not to be taken seriously. He accused Nigeria before any investigation. America is after oil, both ours and Venezuela’s. Nigerians should not be excited about foreign interference.”

Responding to criticism around his visits to bandit camps, Gumi insisted he acted with the knowledge of the authorities. “People do not know the full story. I was invited by the Zamfara State Government to help negotiate peace. We went with police, officials and the press. We sat with them only to hear their grievances. Many who shout online do not know the context,” he said.

He also defended recent military withdrawals reported during some attacks. “A platoon of nine soldiers cannot fight 300 bandits. The military sometimes must tactically withdraw to avoid unnecessary deaths. The bigger issue is lack of air support and drones,” he said.

Gumi called for a structured amnesty programme similar to the Niger Delta model. “Amnesty helps you identify the fighters and give them reasons to drop arms. You cannot fight a ghost enemy forever. Many herders fear arrest if they surrender. We need real dialogue to address their grievances,” he said.

He proposed phased ranching supported by government infrastructure, adding, “We do not even have the resources to educate the young people already sitting peacefully with us. How then do we expect to ranch all the cattle in Nigeria? We must start with grazing routes and model ranches. If we create model ranches, herders will adopt them naturally.”

Gumi also warned against foreign military involvement. “American military intervention will worsen things. Boko Haram is sponsored from outside, but herders are local and driven by survival. We should resolve the herder crisis internally,” he said.

The cleric insisted that his interventions were not financially motivated. “If I wanted money, I would join politics. I was a military captain. I am a medical doctor. I am not jobless and I do not need money from this,” he said.

As pressure mounts over worsening insecurity and renewed calls for his arrest, Gumi maintained that his only interest is ending bloodshed and restoring peace in conflict-hit communities across the North.

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PHOTOS & VIDEO: Fire razes part of Ogun free trade zone, Igbesa

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A fire outbreak has occurred at the mattress section of the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, on Sunday.

It was gathered that the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The incident has reportedly caused chaos and fear among students living around the Obanla axis of the area.

In a video obtained by our correspondent, students were seen running out of their hostels as the thick smoke covered the sky.

An eyewitness, Kuwhede Vincent, a student of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, OGITECH, Igbesa, disclosed that there was a loud noise followed by smoke and fire.

Vincent said, “ It started around 8 am in the morning, we first saw smoke then fire coming from the company.

“The company is very close to my hostel but I don’t think any hostel was affected. We just carried our bag because we don’t know what can happen next”.

He noted that the fire service were on ground to curtail the fire.

Reacting to the incident, President of the Student Union Government in OGITECH, Ilo Fadilu Temitope, in a statement signed by its secretary, Moses Josephine and PRO Segbetin Sunday, and made available to called for calm among students, urging them to be vigilant, and adhere strictly to safety measures.

Part of the statement reads, “The attention of the Students’ Union Government has been drawn to information reaching us regarding a fire outbreak at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, which is in close proximity to some student hostels around the Obanla axis.

“While relevant authorities are reportedly responding to the situation, the Students’ Union deems it necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students.

“In view of this, students especially those residing around Obanla axis and its environs are hereby advised to remain calm but vigilant, and to strictly observe the following safety measures: Avoid unnecessary movement towards the affected area or fire scene, stay indoors where it is safe to do so and keep doors and windows closed if there is smoke in the environment, switch off electrical appliances and gas sources as a precaution.”

As of the time of filing this report, there has not been any official statement on the cause of the incident.

When contacted by our correspondent, the Commissioner of the State’s Ministry of Environment, Ola Oresanya said, “Thanks for the information, I will work on it immediately.”

Many houses affected as fire guts Ogun Free Trade Zone pic.twitter.com/pYIjbLwGhJ

— Temitope Hassan (@temihat) January 11, 2026

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Demolition notice: Ogun communities cry out, call for Gov Abiodun’s intervention

Published

8 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

About 15 communities in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State have called for the intervention of Governor Dapo Abiodun over alleged plot to demolish their villages and acquire their land.

The communities include Itori Mogan, Laaki, Jaguna, Ogunu, Paashi, Kumapayi, and Abule Odo of Ijemoland among others.

According to the villagers, the community which is over 300 years was excised by former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration.

It was gathered that the state government, through the its Planning and Development Permit Authority, Abeokuta Metro Zonal Planning Office, served a demolition notice with service number 00047932 on the occupiers of Itori Mogan village on Friday, accusing them of contravening the Land Use Act of Ogun State for residing in Hillcrest Estate.

In the demolition notice dated January 9, 2026, the government gave the occupiers three days deadline to vacate the affected villages that fell within its acquisition.

Expressing their displeasure on Saturday, the Baale of Ogunro, Chief Olakunle Bodunde, speaking on behalf of the villages marked for demolition, lamented that the present administration is bent on taking the remaining part of the community for an estate development, while rendering members of the community homeless.

He noted that the matter was in court and despite several meetings with the government, a demolition notice was pasted on their buildings.

He said, “We have taken significant steps to address this issue. We had meetings with the government, and now the matter is in court.

“We have served them, and the government has been notified, but they are not showing up in court, and now they have come to paste demolition notices on our buildings.

“We want things to be done with due process. The court has not made a pronouncement yet.”

Also speaking, Chief Oludare Salako, the Baale of Itori Mogan, said the communities have different ancestral gods which according to him cannot be relocated, saying that forceful eviction could spell danger.

He appealed to the state governor to intervene, expressing the belief that he may not be aware of the incident.

“We want Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene, as we believe he may not be aware of these alleged land grabbers in his government. We want him to look critically into the matter and stop their actions,” Salako added.

The Aro of Egbaland and Oluwo of Ijemo, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, urged the villagers to engage in dialogue with the government and be hopeful.

“If you have a right, no government will stop you from exercising your right. So my advice is to dialogue.

“We have signed pacts with the present government on some particular land and villages. Go there, visit the office, and make inquiries. Why again are they trying to take back the land,” he said.

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Full List Of Countries Nigerians Travel To Without Visa

Published

8 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Nigerian passport holders can now travel to 45 countries worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance, according to the latest update from Visaindex.

The development significantly eases international travel for Nigerians, providing broader options for tourism, business, education and family visits.

Of the 45 destinations, 27 countries allow visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, while the remaining operate visa-on-arrival or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) regimes. Entry conditions vary by country, but the update signals an expansion of global mobility opportunities for Nigerians.

Several African nations have adopted open-border policies aimed at boosting regional integration, trade and tourism.

The Gambia – Since 2019, the country has declared itself a visa-free zone for all African travellers, extending the policy to Commonwealth nations, the European Union, and select Baltic states.

Benin – Inspired by Rwanda, Benin lifted visa restrictions for all Africans in 2019, strengthening its position as a commercial and transit hub in West Africa.

Kenya – In October 2023, President William Ruto announced the removal of visa requirements for all African visitors to enhance trade, tourism and continental connectivity.

Rwanda – Since November 2023, Rwanda has granted visa-free entry to all Africans without fees, reinforcing its reputation as a leading tourism and conference destination.

Ghana – Ghana recently joined the visa-free league for Africans, a move expected to attract investors, tourists and business travellers as it positions itself as a regional hub.

Other Visa-Free Or Easy-Access Destinations

Nigerian passport holders can also access the following countries either visa-free, via visa-on-arrival, or through eTA arrangements:

Barbados

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Chad

Cook Islands

Côte d’Ivoire

Dominica

Fiji

Guinea