Sheikh Ahmad Gumi renewed his call for Nigerian authorities to negotiate with bandits for peace, drawing parallels to the Israel-Hamas truce and previous militant rehabilitation efforts.
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has reiterated his plea for the Nigerian government to engage in peace talks with bandits amid ongoing insecurity, particularly in the North.
Referencing the recent peace brokered between Israel and Hamas under international diplomacy, Gumi wrote on Facebook, “Peace between Israel and Hamas they term as terrorists brokered by USA. Who said there is no peace with terrorists? Make peace with bandits and let us have peace.”
This call follows a September appeal for security agencies to back efforts guiding bandits toward peaceful coexistence, similar to the Niger Delta militants’ rehabilitation.
Gumi’s comments came after a significant peace meeting in Sabuwa Local Government Area, Katsina, where traditional rulers and bandits convened. In Hausa, he said, “Alhamdulillah. News has come that today, Sabuwa Local Government has also held a peace settlement with the bandits in the forests.”
He urged security forces not to disrupt this agreement but to help nurture peace, adding prayers for unity and a peaceful Nigeria. Gumi had earlier advised paying ransom demands to ensure hostage safety during terrorist attacks.