Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has reiterated his stance that there is no military solution to Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges. During an interview with AriseNews TV, monitored by SaharaReporters on Friday morning, Sheikh Gumi emphasized the need for dialogue with bandits as a means to address the escalating insecurity in the country.
According to the cleric, the continuous military offensives against the terrorists have resulted in a lack of sympathy towards abducted Nigerians. He urged the Nigerian government to adopt a similar approach to the United States’ negotiations with the Taliban, advocating for dialogue with bandits to curb insurgencies.
“This thing (banditry) is turning into something else. We are turning them into monsters, more monsters as what they are. They are ignorant, they don’t have direction, they don’t leadership, they don’t have empathy now because of the way we treat them too, we don’t care when we burn them,” Sheikh Gumi remarked.
Drawing from his military background, Sheikh Gumi expressed skepticism about relying solely on military interventions, stressing the importance of effective detective work, policing, and social programs. He urged politicians to take the lead in addressing the root causes of insecurity, emphasizing that it is not the sole responsibility of the military.
The cleric also highlighted the need for holistic engagement with bandits, offering them hope while refraining from paying ransom. He underscored the complexity of the security situation, referring to it as an ethnic and class conflict, rather than mere criminality.
Sheikh Gumi cited international precedents, such as negotiations between Israel and Hamas, as evidence that dialogue with armed groups is feasible. He urged the Nigerian government to consider diplomatic solutions rather than relying solely on military force.
In conclusion, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s advocacy for dialogue with bandits reflects a growing sentiment among certain sections of Nigerian society, calling for a shift towards diplomatic solutions to address the country’s security challenges.
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