9th December, 2021
Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, said he has quit mediating for armed bandits following their declaration as terrorists by the Nigerian government.
Gumi stated, in a recent interview with Premium Times, said he has now become a “spectator in the crisis.”
He said: “since the federal government has declared them terrorists, I don’t have anything to do with them anymore.
“I will not like to expose myself to danger again and to put a spotlight on myself unnecessarily.
“I have tried all I could do to admonish the nation on the best way to do it, but it seems my advice has fallen on deaf ears.”
“But from now, I’m a spectator in the crisis.
“I have endangered my life for peace by going to the forest and engaging the bandits. Among them there are rock bandits, they are dangerous, armed ready to fire.
“It is dangerous, still we risked our lives to see that we bring peace to this nation. Because somebody has to take that risk and we took it and thanked God we came out safely and knowledgeable, knowing how to come about this issue.”
Gumi noted that he could reconsider his position if the political situation changes.
“Maybe in the future when the political situation changes for the better, we can do it again so that there will be peace, harmony and tranquility in the country.”
Gumi had previously advised the federal government to grant amnesty to the bandits.
He also advocated for the establishment of a ‘federal ministry of nomadic affairs’ which will address the grievances and complaints of Fulani cattle herders.