•Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi
The Igbo Youths in Diaspora (IYD) has issued an urgent call on the federal government to immediately arrest Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, over what it described as his consistent public support and verbal defence of terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
The group’s leader, Chukwuemeziem Ekete, reacting to comments attributed to Gumi condemning recent United States airstrikes against terrorists, said the cleric had crossed the line from public commentary into open abetment of terrorism, reports Daily Independent.
Ekete faulted Gumi for urging Nigeria to sever ties with the United States following the strikes, insisting that the cleric lacked any moral authority to criticise actions aimed at dismantling terror networks responsible for mass killings, kidnappings and displacement across the country.
“Why is Sheikh Gumi still allowed to make incendiary statements that embolden terrorists? Why is someone who consistently rationalises terror violence walking free?” Ekete asked.
He said Nigeria had reached a critical point where individuals who openly defend or excuse terrorist activities must be treated as collaborators and brought before the law.
Ekete noted that available data showed that Christian communities were disproportionately targeted by terrorist attacks, adding that such violence had continued to stain Nigeria’s global image and undermine national security.
“It is disturbing that when the United States moves to assist Nigeria by neutralising terrorists, Gumi rushes to oppose such efforts.
“His comments amount to verbal protection of criminals who kidnap our children and massacre innocent citizens,” he said.
The IYD leader declared the group’s support for the US military action and urged that such operations be sustained until terrorist groups were decisively weakened.
He commended the federal government for collaborating with the United States, stressing that intelligence sharing must be deepened to ensure precision strikes while safeguarding civilians.
Ekete concluded by urging the government to seize the moment to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terrorism partnerships and to demonstrate zero tolerance for anyone, regardless of status, who supports terrorism in word or deed.
