Ahmad Gumi, the Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has advised the federal government to consider granting amnesty to armed bandits.
Speaking during a press conference at his residence in Kaduna on Monday, Gumi said the country should adopt the same rehabilitation approach used for repentant Boko Haram members who surrendered to the military.
He noted that Nigeria’s prolonged reliance on military force has failed to end banditry and insurgency.
“If the kinetic approach is not working for 17 years, why don’t you change the approach? Let’s change the method,” Gumi said.
”Because what Katsina did is to bring the bandits, give them money, and let them go with the rebels. Why don’t we change the method? Let’s engage them.
“Let’s dislodge them from the forest. Let’s take their children and put them in school. Let’s do something different. But you see, when you want money to be spent, when you want a budget to be spent, that is when it will come.”
According to him, some bandits have expressed willingness to lay down their arms if they are guaranteed protection from arrest or retaliation.
“These people (bandits) told us they are ready to lay down their arms, but what are their conditions? Has anybody listened to them?” Gumi asked.
“They said they fear when they lay down arms, they will then be pursued and arrested.
“So give them the amnesty so that they don’t need to fear putting down their arms and see. Let’s change the approach. Let’s change the methodology.”
The cleric also used the briefing to deny allegations that he supports terrorism or violent groups.
“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo, suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry or terrorism in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” he said.
Gumi said he remains committed to peace and hopeful that Nigeria would overcome its security crisis.
“I sincerely hope that our great nation will heal, and that all victims affected by this violence will find comfort in the collective determination of the nation and the international community to achieve a lasting solution to the insecurity fueled over time by ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice,” he added.
