Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised recent United States airstrikes in Nigeria, urging the U.S. government to prioritise education and the provision of basic social amenities for herding communities instead of relying on expensive military operations.
According to Gumi, ignorance remains one of the most significant challenges confronting herders, and the use of air power cannot resolve the underlying causes of insecurity. He stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through sustained investment in education, awareness, and social development.
The cleric made these remarks while reacting to a viral video showing a Fulani man who reportedly found what appeared to be a missile component in an open field. Gumi noted that the incident highlighted a serious lack of awareness about the dangers associated with unexploded military ordnance, warning that such situations could easily lead to fatalities.
In a post shared on his Facebook page, Gumi expressed concern over the safety risks faced by rural communities, emphasising the urgent need for education and safety sensitisation. “Most herdsmen need deliverance from ignorance and from themselves, not bombardment,” he wrote.
He further explained that the individual in the video appeared to lack both basic religious instruction and essential safety knowledge. “He does not even understand the fundamental creed of Islam or the grave danger posed by unexploded bombs,” Gumi said.
Reaffirming his long-standing stance, the cleric argued that education is a far more effective tool against insecurity than violence. He cited his personal efforts in establishing schools for herding communities, noting that the cost of a single military bomb could instead fund educational institutions and provide essential services. “Rather than dropping a two-million-dollar bomb, that money could be used to build schools and supply basic amenities,” he stated.
The comments followed U.S. airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day in parts of Sokoto State. The operation, reportedly authorised by former U.S. President Donald Trump, targeted suspected ISIS and Lakurawa terrorist elements but was said to have missed its intended objectives.
Subsequently, the Nigerian government confirmed the airstrikes, describing them as a coordinated security operation. It added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the mission after receiving security briefings from relevant authorities.
Gumi’s remarks have reignited public debate on the effectiveness of military intervention compared to long-term investment in education and social development as sustainable solutions to insecurity in Nigeria.
Source: Gistreel
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