Sheikh Gumi not Involved in Kuriga schoolchildren’s release – Gov Sani confirms

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has provided clarity regarding the role of controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, in the recent release of abducted schoolchildren from the Kuriga area of the state.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, Governor Sani clarified that although Gumi had offered to negotiate with the bandits for the students’ release, he was not directly engaged in the process.

The abduction of 137 schoolchildren from the Chikun Local Government Area on March 7, 2024, had sparked widespread concern. However, in a positive turn of events, the governor announced the successful rescue of the abducted pupils in the early hours of Sunday.

According to reports from the Nigerian Military, the pupils were found and rescued in Zamfara State.

Governor Sani further dismissed rumors of ransom payment, stating unequivocally, “All the speculations circulating today are simply products of some individuals’ imaginations. I can confirm this without any doubt. There was no involvement of Gumi in this operation. I can assure you of that. I do not wish to undermine the efforts of our Armed Forces.”