麻豆约拍

Back in 2014 the world was shocked when more than 200 female students were kidnapped in Chibok by the extremist armed group Boko Haram. Since then, more than 1,000 students have been kidnapped in Nigeria.

Now, a Muslim cleric, Sheikh Gumi, has earned fame and respect by attempting to create a dialogue with the gangs who have been abducting schoolchildren and officials. Video has emerged of him in discussion with known bandits and gangs, and this has aroused both anger and praise. His links with these groups are very unclear, and that has aroused suspicion among some about his motives.

Beverly Ochieng of 麻豆约拍 Monitoring in Nairobi explains why Sheikh Gumi has become such a controversial figure.

"His efforts have won him praise from families who have been able to secure the releaese of their family members, through his negotiations with them - but his links with these groups are still very unclear."

Photo: Schoolgirls who had been kidnapped in the Zafara region of Nigeria are released, March 2021 Credit: Getty Images

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