Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has reportedly warned against the risk of ethnic conflict in Nigeria following claims that Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho arrested suspected bandits during an operation in Oyo State.
According to the claims, Igboho and members of his team entered the forest around the Old Oyo National Park in search of more than 45 schoolchildren and their teachers who were reportedly abducted on May 15, 2026, by individuals described as suspected bandits.
The report alleges that several of the suspects were apprehended during the operation, although there has been no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the arrests or the identities of those involved.
Following the development, Gumi was quoted as warning that actions capable of fueling ethnic tensions should be avoided, stressing the need to prevent the country from sliding into ethnic conflict.
Gumi has remained silent over previous kidnapping incidents and only speaking out after Igboho’s reported operation. It further urges Nigerians to focus on addressing insecurity rather than engaging in ethnic or political divisions.
As of the time of this report, authorities have not publicly verified the claims surrounding the operation or issued an official response to Gumi’s reported comments.
