Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has claimed that several kidnappers and bandit groups across Nigeria took inspiration from notorious billionaire kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans.
Gumi made the remark on Friday in a Facebook post while reacting to reports of illegal arms production sites discovered in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The cleric described Evans as one of the most feared kidnappers in Nigeria, noting that his method of targeting wealthy victims for huge ransom payments influenced other criminal elements in the country.
“Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (commonly called ‘Evans’) was the most infamous kidnapper in Nigeria’s history, especially in Lagos. He targeted wealthy individuals and demanded huge ransoms before his arrest in 2017. From him others copy,” Gumi stated.
His reaction followed reports that troops under Operation Enduring Peace uncovered illegal arms factories allegedly linked to suspected Berom militia members accused of producing weapons used in violent attacks and killings in Plateau State.
