Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi, finds himself under the scrutiny of the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, as they summon him to address his remarks regarding the activities of bandits in the country.
Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a briefing at the State House in Abuja on Monday, emphasized that Gumi is subject to the law and warrants questioning, underscoring the government’s stance on maintaining order and security.
Gumi, known for his efforts to engage with bandits and negotiate for the release of hostages, drew attention to the need for a holistic approach to address the banditry crisis.
He likened the situation to the amnesty granted to militants in the Niger Delta region, suggesting that similar measures could be effective in pacifying the bandits. However, he also criticized the military’s aggressive tactics, stating that it has only fueled the conflict further.
Advocating for socio-economic strategies over purely militaristic ones, Gumi emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation with non-kinetic methods taking precedence. Drawing parallels to past conflicts, he highlighted the success of amnesty programs in quelling violence and restoring stability.
Despite his efforts to engage with bandits and seek peaceful resolutions, Gumi’s statements have sparked controversy and led to government intervention, reflecting the complexities of addressing insurgency and extremism in Nigeria.
