Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has returned to the national spotlight after issuing a fiery public prayer against alleged sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria.
His outburst has reignited debates about insecurity, hidden financiers, and his own long-standing ties to armed groups.
The Kaduna-based scholar posted the prayer on his social media page on Thursday. He asked God to expose and punish anyone benefiting from the violence tearing communities apart. His message came with strong emotions and direct accusations. Though he mentioned no names, his words carried a heavy tone that immediately stirred public reactions.
Gumi declared that anyone, whether Nigerian or foreign, who profits materially or politically from terror attacks should face divine anger. He added that those who encourage violence or deliberately ignore the killings deserve instant punishment. However, he prayed that no innocent person should be harmed.
He 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 post spread fast and triggered heated reactions. Many Nigerians questioned the motive behind the prayer. Some accused the cleric of using strong language to deflect attention from allegations linking him to bandit groups in the North-West. Others supported the prayer and demanded that all sponsors of terror be exposed, regardless of status or influence.
Critics argued that Gumi cannot distance himself from the crisis after years of interacting with armed groups. They claimed his past statements often sounded sympathetic to bandits. They also said his public engagements made him part of the larger security debate.
However, Gumi responded swiftly. He dismissed his critics and urged them to focus on the message rather than his personality. He insisted that the prayer targeted anyone enabling insecurity, whether through direct sponsorship, ideological support, or silent approval. He said Nigeria’s pain comes not only from fighters in the forests but also from hidden beneficiaries funding the chaos.
For years, Gumi has insisted that dialogue and engagement are the only pathways to peace in the North-West. Yet many Nigerians remain skeptical. Several civil society groups have repeatedly called for his arrest. They allege that his interactions embolden violent groups and weaken the morale of security agencies.
His latest comments suggest he believes the insecurity crisis goes beyond visible attackers. He appears determined to shift attention to the unseen actors who profit from instability. The debate around him, however, is far from over.