In this reflective piece, veteran journalist, SHU’AIBU LEMAN, examines the disturbing weight of public statements made by influential figures, especially those that trivialise genuine human suffering. Drawing from the recent controversy surrounding Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s comments, Leman underscores the urgent need for responsible leadership, truth, compassion and national sensitivity
Public discourse in Nigeria is rarely short of drama or strong opinions. Yet, occasionally, a statement surfaces that pierces the national conscience and compels a moment of profound reflection on our collective values. Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s allegation – that Christian communities across the Middle Belt region have been “staging” mass killings by interring empty coffins – is one such deeply troubling and inflammatory claim.
It is not merely unfounded but profoundly insensitive and callous towards the countless families still grappling with the genuine, painful losses of their loved ones.
In a nation where profound tragedy has become an alarmingly common occurrence, the suggestion that victims are imaginary or that public bereavement is a choreographed performance is both shocking and deeply disturbing. Many Nigerians have been forced to bury people dear to them such as parents, children, neighbours, tragically taken by relentless violence. To trivialise their suffering is to reopen deep emotional wounds that have barely begun the slow, arduous process of healing.
While Nigerians may legitimately debate whether the persistent, devastating killings in the Middle Belt constitute genocide—a valid academic and policy discussion—the existence of the killings is not open to any credible dispute. These tragedies are meticulously documented by communities, the media and civil society, forming an undeniable part of our shared reality.
Entire regions across Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna and parts of Taraba bear deep scars from repeated attacks. The graves are real; the widows, orphans and displaced families are not participants in a staged drama. To deny their suffering is to deny their humanity.
Reactions from religious, civil society leaders
Unsurprisingly, Christian leaders responded with justifiable outrage. Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo’s solemn offer to escort Gumi to mass grave sites reflects the profound hurt caused by such reckless remarks. When respected leaders express a willingness to physically open graves in the presence of security agencies simply to prove their reality, it underscores the corrosive impact of careless words on national cohesion.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) echoed this sentiment, describing Gumi’s comments as inflammatory and baseless. Their response reflects a broader expectation that religious leaders, by virtue of their influence, must exercise caution, empathy and responsibility. Irresponsible words can deepen mistrust and heighten social tensions across the country.
Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength. But it too often becomes a fault line when leaders fuel suspicion and resentment. Unverified statements can harden attitudes, escalate grievances and undermine peace-building efforts in vulnerable communities.
Reckless speech in a time of national crisis
This unfortunate allegation also comes at a highly inopportune moment. Nigeria is grappling with multiple crises—banditry in the North-West, insurgency in the North-East and recurring violence in the Middle Belt. Security forces are overstretched, communities are anxious and public confidence is fragile. In such conditions, rhetoric that inflames emotions only complicates the search for solutions.
Instead of helping to refocus the nation on the urgent need for security reforms and strategic overhauls, such provocative statements drag public attention into unnecessary controversy. They shift the focus away from essential steps such as improved intelligence gathering, expanded community policing and addressing root causes of violence.
When public figures downplay or delegitimise documented acts of violence, they inadvertently encourage perpetrators. If victims’ experiences are dismissed as theatrics, the resolve to demand justice weakens, creating an environment where impunity thrives.
Such remarks also carry international consequences. Global observers and humanitarian organisations have consistently raised concerns about the scale of violence in Nigeria. Reckless statements risk misleading the international community at a time when Nigeria needs credibility and cooperation to address its security challenges.
Obviously, the concerns abroad are not invented. They arise from years of documented attacks, humanitarian crises and mass displacement. Regardless of disagreements over classifications, the violence itself is undeniable.
A call for responsible leadership, national healing
Yet, even while confronting divisive rhetoric, Nigerians must resist equally divisive counter-responses. One individual’s statement—no matter how prominent—must not deepen religious or ethnic divisions. Pain has no tribe; sorrow knows no creed. Communities in mourning deserve solidarity, not further blame.
This delicate moment calls for leadership that stands firmly on the side of truth. Religious, traditional and civic leaders must help correct misinformation, reduce tensions and promote bridge-building narratives. Nigeria cannot afford further fragmentation.
Influential voices must understand the weight of their words. Carelessly spoken statements can inflame divisions, harden prejudices and destabilise vulnerable regions. At a time when national trust is weakening, leaders must appreciate the immense responsibility that accompanies their platform.
Progress demands an unwavering commitment to truth, fairness and justice. Every act of violence must be acknowledged and condemned, without exception, regardless of victim or perpetrator. Only through impartiality can Nigeria build a security system that protects all citizens.
As a society, we owe the dead respect and dignity. The memory of victims must not be exploited or dismissed to score rhetorical points. Each grave represents a national failure and a family’s heartbreak. To deny their existence diminishes our shared humanity.
Healing requires compassion. It requires listening to survivors, affirming their pain, resisting the politicisation of tragedy and courageously challenging falsehoods.
Nigeria needs calm and principled voices. Leaders must recognise that careless speech can deepen wounds that already run terrifyingly deep. Our challenges are too complex to be trivialised by sensational, unverified claims.
Families grieving across the Middle Belt, North-West, and North-East deserve truth, dignity and justice—not denial or distortion. Our duty is to stand with them, honour their pain, and ensure their losses are never questioned. Only then can meaningful healing begin and a nation where every life truly matters be built.
Leman is former National Secretary of, Nigeria Union of Journalists