Police, Govt Officials Accompanied Me to Negotiate with Bandits – Sheikh Gumi

In a recent interview, prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi revealed that he was accompanied by police and government officials during his negotiations with bandits in northern Nigeria. Gumi has been a vocal advocate for dialogue as a means to address the escalating issues of banditry and terrorism in the region.

Sheikh Gumi emphasized the importance of engaging in conversations with bandits to understand their grievances, noting that many of the individuals involved in these criminal activities are young and driven by social and economic factors. “I never go alone. I go with police, traditional rulers, and sometimes state officials,” Gumi explained, highlighting the collaborative effort to mediate peace between the bandits and the government.

Gumi criticized the Nigerian government’s reliance on military force, stating that such an approach has proven ineffective in resolving the deep-rooted issues that fuel banditry. “Using the military to fight a guerrilla war is like punishing the military. This approach will not work,” he said, drawing parallels to similar conflicts worldwide where military interventions have failed to bring about peace.

During his discussions with bandits, Gumi noted that they expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue rather than violence. He believes that understanding the socio-economic context behind their actions is crucial to finding a sustainable solution. “Spending trillions on military solutions will not yield results if the underlying issues are not addressed,” he added.

The cleric also responded to concerns about the motives of the bandits, asserting that there is no evidence to suggest that they are being funded by politicians or that they have a broader agenda to Islamize Nigeria. Instead, he described the situation as a natural reaction of marginalized communities seeking recognition and opportunity. “These people are victims of neglect and deprivation. They want education and a better future for their children,” he stated.

Gumi highlighted a successful initiative where a school was established for herdsmen in a village near Kaduna, which has seen over 600 children enrolled. “They don’t want their children to grow up like them. This is the type of intervention we need to pursue,” he said.

The cleric’s efforts to mediate with bandits have sparked both support and controversy among Nigerians. While some view his approach as a necessary step toward peace, others question the effectiveness of negotiating with armed groups. Nevertheless, Sheikh Gumi remains committed to advocating for dialogue, education, and economic empowerment as essential components in the fight against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.