Pay ransom to bandits, free abducted Abuja-Kaduna train passengers, Gumi tells FG

Controversial Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged the Federal Government to pay ransom to bandits to free the abducted passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna train still in their custody.

He equally asked the government to cautiously deal with the terrorsts in order not to harm the victims in their den.

“You have the opportunity to deal with them the way they deserve because when they have captives, you have to tread with caution so that their captives will not be injured,” Gumi said.

The victims were abducted on March 28 after the terrorists attacked their train going to Abuja from Kaduna. Nine passengers were killed, many were injured, while about 62 of them were kidnapped.

The bandits have since then released several videos of the kidnapped victims, asking the Federal Government to negotiate with them for their release, but not monetary ransom.

However, speaking during the special prayers organised for the victims by the Jama’iyyar Matan Arewa (JMA), in Kaduna, Gumi advised the Federal Government to pay ransom to the bandits

He said, “Just imagine now, people are paying up to N25 billion to buy forms instead of using the money to pay ransom for poor Nigerians who cannot pay.

“Whatever they want, give it to them, so that they release these people and when they release them, then you have the liberty.”