Gumi: There is no doubt that Christians are victims of insecurity

Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has acknowledged that Christians are among the victims of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, stressing that Muslims are equally affected by the violence across the country.

Speaking during an interview on Trust TV on Wednesday, Gumi said the security crisis does not discriminate along religious lines, noting that both major faith communities have suffered significant losses.

“There is no doubt that Christians are victims of insecurity, and Muslims too are victims,” he said.

The cleric also called on the United States government to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty in its engagement with the country. According to him, while Nigeria may require foreign assistance to address its security challenges, such support must not undermine the nation’s independence or national interest.

Gumi referenced Nigeria’s historical foreign relations during the Nigerian Civil War, pointing out that the former Soviet Union provided assistance to the federal government at a time when the United States supported secessionist elements.

“During the Nigerian Civil War, Russia provided aid when America supported secessionists,” he stated.

He expressed concern that Nigeria’s foreign policy direction appears increasingly influenced by external actors, urging policymakers to prioritize the country’s strategic and national interests.

“It appears ironic that Nigeria’s foreign policy is now influenced externally. We should also look at our own national interest,” Gumi added.

His remarks come amid ongoing debates over foreign involvement and the federal government’s approach to tackling insecurity nationwide.