Protect Peace Deal With Bandits, Rehabilitate Them Like Militants – Sheikh Gumi
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the Nigerian military and other security agencies to safeguard the recent peace agreement reached with bandits in Katsina State, stressing that they should be rehabilitated like Niger Delta militants.
Speaking on Saturday after a meeting in Sabuwa Local Government Area, where community and traditional leaders engaged some bandits in dialogue, Gumi warned against sabotaging the peace deal.
“Alhamdulillah. News has come that today, Sabuwa Local Government has also held a peace settlement with the bandits in the forests, to establish peace throughout the entire local government area,” he said in Hausa.
“Those who fuel war, may Allah bring them down. And may the security agencies avoid destroying this peace agreement, but instead teach them how to live in peace, just as was done with the Niger Delta militants. May Allah bring us peace. Ameen,” he added.
Gumi’s fresh call comes days after he issued a similar warning in Faskari Local Government, where he cautioned, “Some people who don’t want peace, will provoke them again by attacking them. It’s very important to educate them that they are used by capitalising on their ignorance and zeal to vengeance.”
Osun Defender had previously reported that government officials and traditional leaders in Katsina State recently held another round of peace talks with bandits in Matazu Local Government Area, while a similar meeting was held last week in Faskari, where notorious kingpins attended armed.
Authorities say the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to curb insecurity in the state, which has been ravaged by killings, kidnappings, and raids linked to bandit groups.
But residents remain sceptical, raising concerns about the sincerity of the armed groups and the dangers of negotiating under tense conditions.
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.
