Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has suggested a softer approach towards terrorists and bandits, despite their increasing viciousness. Speaking in a recent interview, Gumi criticized the government’s kinetic approach to dealing with bandits, arguing that it only exacerbates the situation.
Gumi’s remarks come in the wake of heightened banditry and kidnappings in Kaduna State, with recent demands for a staggering N40 trillion ransom. He proposed dialogue with the perpetrators instead of succumbing to their ransom demands.
“I believe no ransom should be paid but engage these people, give them hope and not only in this children’s case,” Gumi stated, advocating for negotiation with terrorists. He lamented the government’s belated recognition of the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need for a change in approach.
The cleric’s stance on negotiation with bandits has stirred debate, with many questioning the feasibility and morality of such a strategy. Gumi defended his position, citing examples like Israel and Hamas exchanging prisoners as a model for conflict resolution.
“What is happening now is that we are seeing that these bandits are getting more and more vicious,” Gumi remarked, attributing their escalation to the government’s emphasis on kinetic action rather than dialogue. He criticized politicians for their rhetoric without concrete action to address the root causes of banditry.
Despite his call for dialogue, Gumi stressed that he does not support ransom payments. He suggested that the inflated ransom demands are merely bargaining tactics by the bandits to exert pressure on the government.
