Ahmad Gumi, Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, says he has never visited bandit hideouts without police and government officials accompanying him.
In recent years, Gumi has gained prominence for his comments on the activities of bandits.
In an interview with PUNCH, Gumi asked the federal government to address banditry’s root causes through peaceful resolution.
“The federal government must look at the root cause of this problem and start to apply the right formula to solve it,” Gumi said.
“Spending trillions on ammunition and militarisation when the problem is social will yield no results, it will only compound the issue, leading people to become radicalised and turn to militancy.”
Gumi said he aims to facilitate a peaceful resolution with bandits through open discussions during his visits to their hideouts.
The cleric added that his military experience drives his proactive approach to peace.
I am in the eye of the storm and I am a full-fledged Nigerian. I also have an interest in peace and tranquillity,” he said.
“I cannot wait for the official narrative because I have been in the army and I know how things go.
“One thing Nigerians should understand is that I have never been to any den of these people without officials of the government. I go with the police because one cannot go alone; you must go with them.
“Only that they will tell you there is a perimeter—don’t come with some of them. Sometimes, I also go with traditional institutions and state government officials.
“My plan is only to broker peace with them. They open their doors for us to sit and discuss issues.”
The cleric said banditry stems from centuries of neglect, not political sponsorship, adding that exposure to education and the internet fuels their desire for change and a better future for their children.
“No politician is sponsoring these people. We are all victims. The opposition is not even behind this. This is a natural reaction of people neglected for centuries,” Gumi said.
“Now they are exposed to the world and they want education. These people are exposed to the internet and see how much they are deprived.
They want to fight back. This act is not orchestrated by anybody.
“To our surprise, in a school built for herdsmen in a village between Abuja and Kaduna, over 600 of them, along with their families, have started schooling there.
“They are telling us they don’t want their children to be like them. Imagine if we did that all around the country.”
