Sheikh Gumi Defends Bandits, Says Attacks Motivated By Revenge
Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has defended bandits terrorising northern Nigeria, claiming their attacks are “revenge missions” rather than unprovoked violence.
Speaking in an interview on Trust TV on Friday, Gumi said the Fulani herdsmen and bandit groups “do not attack people without any cause.”
He cited a visit by former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda and a government delegation to the bush, where they reportedly met over 5,000 bandits, many of whom expressed grievances over personal losses and hostilities.
While acknowledging that killings by bandits are “wrong and obnoxious,” Gumi insisted the violence stems from revenge, not sheer brutality.
“Yes, I know they have killed, and it’s wrong to kill anybody innocent. This is absolutely an obnoxious thing to do. We don’t support that. But you see, if you know their psychology, they are on a revenge mission,” he said.
Gumi, a long-time advocate of amnesty and negotiation for bandits, stressed that Fulani herdsmen have lived peacefully with other communities for centuries, adding that the violence is a reaction to injustices they have suffered.
He urged the Tinubu administration to unify and rehabilitate the armed groups instead of pursuing military offensives.
“What I think the government needs to do is to really bring them together in a unison and in a holistic form so that there is peace. They are ready for that, because if you call them for peace, they come,” he said.
The cleric also drew a controversial comparison with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), accusing them of rejecting dialogue and pursuing secession.
“It’s unlike the others like IPOB. The government has been trying to dialogue with them; they still refuse. They are still behind creating a separate state. Besides being terrorists, they are secessionists. Well, these people (bandits) are not secessionists. They want peace,” Gumi said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
