Sheikh Gumi kicks as federal lawmaker proposes killing repentant terrorists

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has condemned a proposal by a federal lawmaker, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi to execute so-called repentant terrorists and criminals instead of rehabilitating them.

Gagdi, member of the House of Representatives for Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke Federal Constituency of Plateau State, made the call while speaking at plenary recently.

“I’m urging government to stop rehabilitation and arrest of killers and criminals,” Gagdi said.

When asked what the government should do, he responded, “To kill them. He who kills should be killed. Anybody who kills should be killed unless it’s a motor accident. Our law is explicit.”

Gagdi added, “If you kill by coming to innocent citizens’ houses, kidnapping them, taking them into the bush and subjecting them to serious torture, before taking their lives, you don’t deserve one second of survival.”

Reacting in a Facebook post on Friday, Sheikh Gumi rejected the proposal.

He noted that killing repentant terrorists contravene international and religious laws.

The cleric further said emotions should have no place in war or counterterrorism efforts.

“Killing repentant Insurgents and secessionists is against religious and international law. So also prisoners of war. ICC is listening if you don’t fear Allah,” Gumi said.

“Where is morality? It’s the same logic terrorists employ to kill all others besides them. Emotions don’t win a war,” he added.

Gumi’s comment comes amid ongoing debate over Nigeria’s de-radicalisation and rehabilitation programme for repentant insurgents, which has faced criticism from victims and some lawmakers.