Nigeria Urged to Pursue Negotiations with Bandits and Terrorists, Sheikh Gumi Advocates.
In a bold assertion, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, a prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric and former military officer, has called on the Nigerian government to shift its approach to tackling insecurity.
Sheikh Gumi emphasized the need for negotiations with bandits and other non-state actors plaguing the nation, suggesting that the government’s expenditure on military hardware may not be the most effective strategy.
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During an interview with Trust TV, the cleric expressed the view that the root cause of security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in the North, can be traced back to the longstanding farmer-herder crisis. Sheikh Gumi argued that a more constructive solution lies in engaging in open discussions with the terrorists rather than pursuing a military offensive.
He further criticized the recent mistaken bombardment of Tudun Biri residents in Kaduna State by the Nigerian military. Sheikh Gumi deemed this incident as indicative of the necessity for the government to bolster the capacity of the police force, preventing military interference in internal security matters.
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“This is not the first time such is happening. The military should fight the military. Tank by tank. Jet by jet. The military should be out of fighting insecurity. We are not fighting Cameroon or Togo,” the cleric asserted.
He emphasized the importance of redirecting resources toward implementing robust policies and reinforcing the police force for effective community policing. Sheikh Gumi advocated for investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure for those identified as bandits, highlighting the need to address the underlying issues contributing to insecurity.
The cleric urged a departure from traditional military solutions, emphasizing the potential benefits of negotiation and development initiatives. In his view, focusing on internal security and community well-being could offer a more sustainable approach to resolving Nigeria’s security challenges.
