Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has made a fresh case for armed bandits and terrorists operating across Nigeria, claiming the individuals attacking innocent citizens are on a ‘revenge mission’. Speaking during an interview on Trust Television on Friday, the cleric argued that the bandits do not attack without a reason and urged the Nigerian government to call for a meeting with them to ensure peace reigns.
Mr Gumi asserted that if the Nigerian government were to heed his advice and call for a meeting, the terrorists would definitely honour the invitation. He further differentiated the bandits from other separatist groups, stating: “They don’t just attack without a cause. Bandits are on a revenge mission. If you call them for peace, they will come. They are not like IPOB members who have refused to dialogue.”
The cleric’s renewed call for peace with the terrorists follows the recent diplomatic tension and the designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ by United States President Donald Trump. Mr Gumi has historically advocated for dialogue and amnesty for bandits as the surest way to resolve the country’s protracted security crises.
