On Monday, the Federal Government stated that it would not hesitate to hold accountable anyone for comments deemed provocative or reckless as everyone is subject to the law.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this statement when speaking to journalists at the State House in Abuja, following the Federal Executive Council meeting.
Following the abduction of at least 287 students from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, by terrorists, Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi extended an offer to negotiate with the abductors.
To facilitate the release of the abducted schoolchildren, Gumi recommended that the President should permit him to negotiate and cautioned against Tinubu repeating the mistake made by his immediate predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who refused to negotiate with bandits.
In response to a question regarding the controversial comments and interventions by the Kaduna-based cleric, the minister confirmed his awareness of Gumi's previous encounters with security agents due to his comments. Additionally, he emphasized the government's commitment to pursuing individuals with unanswered questions.
He also noted that the clerics statements appears reckless and he could be reprimanded since nobody is above the law
All attempts to contact the Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Gumi, proved unsuccessful as his mobile phone went unanswered on Monday. As of the time this report was filed, he had not replied to messages sent to the same mobile phone.
Meanwhile, Idris confirmed that there was no ransom paid for the release of 137 pupils kidnapped from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, and the 17 Islamic school pupils abducted in Sokoto who were freed last Saturday.
The president, as per the minister, acknowledges the importance of the security services in the safe return of the abductees, promising to identify and punish all individuals involved in the kidnapping.
On March 6, the school in Kuriga was stormed by terrorists on motorcycles, who abducted the pupils in an operation that caused outrage from the Presidency and the global community, including UNICEF.
Contrary to reports of 287, a statement issued on Sunday by Maj Gen Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, mentioned that 137 pupils were rescued.
The pupils in Zamfara State were reportedly rescued by a combined effort of the military and local authorities, as stated by Buba.
