Gumi's Terror Comments Spark Outrage, HURIWA Demands Probe

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has condemned recent comments made by Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, which the group believes are sympathetic to terrorists and could undermine Nigeria's efforts to combat terrorism. In a statement released by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA expressed disappointment over the Federal Government's silence on the matter, describing it as 'dangerous'. The comments in question were made by Gumi during a television appearance on May 19, where he suggested that Nigerians should learn to coexist with terrorists and implied that bandits rely on kidnapping to fund their operations against security forces. HURIWA has described these remarks as reckless and provocative, warning that such statements could embolden criminal gangs responsible for the killings, abductions, and attacks that have plagued several parts of the country. The group is backing calls made by activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, for Gumi to be investigated under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which criminalises not only acts of terrorism but also statements that could be seen as encouraging or justifying terrorist activities. HURIWA argues that the fight against terrorism must be fair and that the government should not punish some individuals for their comments while shielding others. The organisation believes that failure to take decisive action could create the impression that violent groups have the backing of powerful interests in the country. With Nigerians already struggling with worsening insecurity, mass kidnappings, and killings, HURIWA is urging religious leaders and public figures to speak in a manner that supports national unity and the ongoing security operations. The Department of State Services, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Attorney-General of the Federation have been called upon to launch an immediate investigation into Gumi's comments to determine if any laws have been violated. HURIWA maintains that for democracy to thrive, terrorism must not be normalised through rhetoric or treated with caution.