The Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has urged the Federal government to interrogate individuals who claim to have close ties with bandits.
Kukah also expressed his worry over the spate of kidnappings across schools in the country, adding that the abduction could have a psychological effect on the children.
The clergyman questioned the government’s failure to investigate individuals who claim to know much about bandits.
He said this during an interview with Channels Television.
He said: “It is clear that the Federal government at the highest level knows what is going on; at least the intelligence community has an idea.
“There are key Nigerians who are saying openly that they know more than they think the rest of us know, and I think that it is the business of the Federal Government to find out those who claim to know where the bandits are, those who are collaborating with the bandits.”
Kukah also expressed his worry over the spate of kidnappings across schools in the country, adding that the abduction could have a psychological effect on the children.
His statement came shortly after 137 schoolchildren who had been kidnapped in Kuriga, Kaduna State, were released from captivity.
Meanwhile, the Federal government has invited Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, for questioning over his comments on the activities of bandits in the country.
The Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the State House, Abuja, on Monday.
“The security agencies are up and doing. Sheikh Gumi or any other person is not above the law. If he suggestions that are constructive enough for the security agencies to take, they will take but if they think that he is also making some statements that appear to be reckless, he will also be reprimanded.
“There is nobody that is above the law in this regard. And I am aware he has been a guest of security agencies to answer questions. When you make remarks that border on our national security, it is incumbent on the security agencies to dig further.”
Recall the controversial cleric faulted the Federal Government on the continued use of force or kinetic means to secure the release of victims of kidnapping.
Gumi said the government ought to go closer to the bandits and study them, and provide them with better living conditions.