Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has dismissed allegations that politicians are behind the rising insecurity in northern Nigeria.

In recent months, the North-West region has faced increasing banditry and violence, leading to the deaths of many, including the monarch of Gobir in Sokoto State. The unrest has sparked claims that politicians may be funding the violence for their own gain.

In 2021, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, alleged that some politicians were sponsoring the banditry seen across the country. However, in an interview with Punch, Sheikh Gumi denied these claims, stating that there is no evidence to suggest that politicians are fueling the unrest in the North.

He said; “This is an unintelligent allegation. No politician is sponsoring these people. We are all victims. The opposition is not even behind this. This is a natural reaction of people neglected for centuries without education.

“Now they are exposed to the world and they want education. These people are exposed to the Internet and they see how much they are deprived. They want to fight back. This act is not by anybody.”