The Kaduna Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has once again stirred nationwide debate after calling on the Federal Government and Nigerians to embrace peaceful dialogue with bandits and armed groups terrorising various parts of the country.
Gumi made the statement while speaking on national television, insisting that negotiation remains the most effective and realistic solution to the growing insecurity in the nation’s forests and rural communities.
According to him, Nigeria’s years of heavy military operations have failed to end banditry, and the only workable approach is to “make peace with them” in order to protect citizens, farmlands, and forest reserves. He argued that continuous confrontation without engagement will only worsen the crisis, pushing more young men into criminality.
Gumi stated that bandits are also Nigerians who feel marginalized and abandoned, and that meaningful dialogue could provide opportunities to reintegrate them into society. He maintained that ignoring this approach is partly why insecurity continues to escalate.