“I won’t allow Trump to harm my relatives in the forest. Those terrorists are our children, and we must protect them.” — Sheikh Gumi reportedly says.

 “I won’t allow Trump to harm my relatives in the forest. Those terrorists are our children, and we must protect them.” — Sheikh Gumi reportedly says.

Recent weeks have seen a statement attributed to Sheikh Gumi, a prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar and former military officer, spark intense discussion across social media: “I won’t allow Trump to harm my relatives in the forest. Those terrorists are our children, and we must protect them.”

Sheikh Gumi is known for being outspoken on issues of insurgency and communal violence in northern Nigeria. His public persona combines religious authority with military experience, giving his commentary on security matters particular weight. Over the years, he has consistently advocated for local solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges, often emphasizing the need to protect communities while engaging with militants, many of whom are young people from rural areas. In this context, the statement attributed to him can be seen as a defense of community and identity, highlighting the moral complexities of labeling young people as “terrorists” without understanding their personal and social circumstances.

The alleged statement also reflects the tension between local perceptions and international pressure. Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump had reportedly made threats concerning Nigeria’s alleged failure to curb religious violence and terrorism, suggesting that foreign action could be taken if local authorities did not respond decisively. For Gumi, such threats risk oversimplifying the realities on the ground and endangering civilians who are part of the same communities as those labeled militants. By referring to them as “our children,” the statement emphasizes that these individuals are not abstract enemies; they are part of families, neighborhoods, and communities that will bear the human cost of any military intervention.

Moreover, the quote brings to the fore questions about accountability, protection, and the responsibilities of leaders. While external actors often frame conflicts in binary terms of “good versus evil,” local leaders like Gumi highlight the human dimension — that many of those involved in insurgent activity are young people with complex motivations, vulnerabilities, and social ties. Protecting them, in this framing, does not mean condoning violence, but recognizing the importance of community-based solutions and avoiding measures that could lead to further harm or alienation.