Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has revealed that over 600 bandits alongside their commanders agreed to lay down arms in exchange for security and basic amenities in 2021at Garin Yadi Forest in Giwa local government of Kaduna State.
Reacting to calls for his arrest by some Nigerians, Sheikh Gumi explained his role negotiating peace and said all his peace visits to the bandits’ camps were approved by the police and other security agencies who accompanied him to the forests.
Gumi, who stated this on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, said the purpose of the meeting was an effort to de-escalate violence by having bandits surrender their weapons and embrace peace.
The cleric recalled that in 2021, he attended the peace parley with then Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, Umar Muri (representing the Inspector-General of Police), and over 600 bandits and their commanders.
Gumi, in his post titled: ‘Arrest me’, said the government did not fulfil the conditions presented by the bandits, “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.
“For instance, in January 2021, I was at Sabon Garin Yadi forest, Giwa Local Government Area, Kaduna State, accompanied by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Umar Muri. This meeting 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 said the parley included himself, the former Police Commissioner Umar Muri who represented then 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”
“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?
“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,” Gumi said.
