Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric from Kaduna State, has refuted claims that politicians are funding the ongoing unrest in northern Nigeria, particularly in the northwest, where banditry and violence have intensified.
Despite recent attacks, including the killing of the Gobir monarch in Sokoto State, Gumi insists that the government is not responsible for the escalating violence.
In an interview with Punch, Gumi dismissed the allegations as baseless, calling them “illogical and stupid.”
He said, “No politician is sponsoring these people. We are all victims. The opposition is not even behind this. This is a natural reaction of people neglected for centuries without education.”
Gumi said that the violence is a result of a long-standing lack of education and opportunities for these communities, adding, “They want to fight back. This act is not by anybody.”
Gumi said there is a growing desire for education among the affected populations.
He shared an example of a village between Abuja and Kaduna, where over 600 herdsmen and their families had enrolled in a school built for them.
“They told us that they do not want their children to be like them. Imagine if we did that all around the country,” he said.
The cleric, who has often sparked controversy with his remarks on banditry, was previously questioned by the federal government regarding his stance on negotiating with bandits.
Gumi has been vocal in criticising the government’s reliance on military tactics, arguing that it has made the situation worse.
He suggested a more diplomatic approach, advocating for engagement with the bandits to address their grievances.
Gumi warned that the government’s use of force has turned the bandits into “monsters,” making them more ruthless, especially towards softer targets like children.
He said, “Before, they were not doing this. Now, they are heading to softer targets, and we can only attribute this to the kinetic approach.”
Gumi proposed a non-kinetic solution similar to the amnesty programme used for Niger Delta militants, focusing on education, healthcare, and providing peaceful livelihoods for the bandits.
He also noted that while the government may be aware of some bandit leaders, a lack of intelligence on their lower ranks has prevented effective countermeasures.
