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By John Ogunsemore
Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has lambasted those demanding his arrest over alleged fraternising with bandits.
He described them as “spineless”, “irresponsible” and “unpatriotic” individuals that have failed to recognise his efforts to bring lasting end to banditry in northern Nigeria.
Gumi stated this in a statement shared on Facebook on Sunday.
The controversial cleric had stirred the hornet’s nest on Wednesday by claiming in a Facebook post that some Christian groups in the Middle Belt were burying empty coffins to create the impression of mass burials and circulating videos to push a Christian genocide narrative.
The remark sparked outrage, with many netizens calling on the authorities to arrest the cleric, citing his alleged questionable antecedents of visiting violent bandits in the forest.
In an apparent reaction on Sunday, Gumi said, “‘ARREST HIM!!!’ These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter in the face of a courageous effort by many patriotic citizens to curb the insecurity that bedevils our nation.”
The cleric recounted how in January 2021, he was at Sabon Garin Yadi forest, Giwa Local Government Area, Kaduna State, accompanied by then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Umar Muri.
He noted that this was part of a peace initiative “where we preached to over 600 bandits and their commanders, who agreed to lay down their arms in exchange for security and basic amenities”.
Gumi emphasised that the purpose of the meeting was an effort to de-escalate violence by having bandits surrender their weapons and embrace peace.
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“The parley included me, Police Commissioner Umar Muri (representing the Inspector-General of Police), and over 600 bandits and their commanders.
“The outcome was that over 600 bandits agreed to lay down their arms.
“They presented conditions to the government for peace, such as providing basic amenities and ending arbitrary arrests. None fulfilled,” he stated.
“So, what is there to arrest for? for calling them to lay arms or amenities for them, or to educate the nation on their side of the story?
“And who will do the arrest?” Gumi queried.
The cleric added, “Is free speech no longer part of our constitutional right?
“Is their call for arrest not also prejudiced and an incitement to more violence?
“Come on, Nigerians can do better than that.
“May Allah protect our nation from bigotry, stubborn and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions.”
