Gumi: Dialogue key to resolving terrorism | Police usually accompany me to negotiate with bandits

• The Islamic cleric said he warned the authorities against intensifying their kinetic approach against them, but they did not listen.

A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has said that he never visited bandit hideouts without police and government officials present.

WITHIN NIGERIA reports that Gumi has gained prominence for his comments on bandit activities, often pictured with bandits.

In an interview with PUNCH, Gumi urged the federal government to address banditry’s underlying causes peacefully.

Gumi warned authorities against intensifying military action, but was ignored.

“The Federal Government must look at the root cause of this problem and start to apply the right formula to solve it,” Gumi said.

“Spending trillions on ammunition and militarisation when the problem is social will yield no results, it will only compound the issue, leading people to become radicalised and turn to militancy.”

Gumi seeks peaceful resolution through open dialogue during hideout visits — with his military experience drives his proactive peace approach, bypassing official channels.

“I am in the eye of the storm, and I am a full-fledged Nigerian. I also have an interest in peace and tranquillity,” he said.

“I cannot wait for the official narrative because I have been in the army and I know how things go.”

Gumi clarified he always visits bandits with government officials.

“My plan is only to broker peace with them. They open their doors for us to sit and discuss issues.”

Gumi attributed banditry to centuries-long neglect, not political manipulation.

“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,” Gumi said.

“Now they’re exposed to the world and desire education. Internet exposure reveals their deprivation.”

“They want to fight back. This act isn’t orchestrated.”

” A school for herdsmen between Abuja and Kaduna has over 600 students.

“They don’t want their children to follow in their footsteps. Imagine replicating this nationwide.”