Again, Gumi advises FG to grant bandits amnesty, educate, fund them…

image

BY ABDULKADIR M. LAWAN, NOVEMBER 2, 2021 | 10:49 AM


Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, an Islamic cleric has again called on Federal Government of Nigeria to grant bandits and herdsmen amnesty.

He made the call at the enrolment of the third group of students into the free orphans’ healthcare and education support programme organised by the Kawo Islamic Foundation in Kaduna, Daily Post newspaper reported.

According to the cleric, bandits are ready to lay down their arms, hence the federal government should grant them amnesty.

He explained that granting the bandits an amnesty will stop further bloodshed and hostilities in the North.

He further urged the federal government to educate and provide bandits with funds after granting them amnesty.

'If there is anything that can stop the shedding of blood, it is better just like what happened with the Niger Delta militants, they were shedding blood and vandalising pipelines, but where they were ready to drop their weapons with an amnesty that will take care of them, I think the same thing can apply to herdsmen.

'We have met them and they are ready to put down their arms, but when they put down their arms if you do not educate them and provide them with funds to take care of them, they will go back to the same old ways.

'Still, we call for amnesty and stopping all hostilities because we know how we can deal with it peacefully,' the paper quoted the cleric explaining.

Few weeks ago, Nigerians including the national assembly called on the federal government to declare bandits as terrorist but Sheikh Gumi warned President Muhammadu Buhari not to do so as because it will come with a big price.

The cleric has been campaigning for amnesty for the bandits who are terrorizing the North West and some part of North Central of the country.


Appeal for support


Conflict Reporting is dangerous and risky. Our reporters constantly face life-threatening challenges, sometimes surviving ambushes, kidnap attempts and attacks by the whiskers as they travel and go into communities to get authentic and firsthand information. But we dare it every day, nonetheless, in order to keep you informed of the true situation of the victims, the trends in the conflicts and ultimately help in peace building processes. But these come at huge cost to us. We are therefore appealing to you to help our cause by donating to us through any of the following means. You can also donate working tools, which are even more primary to our work. We thank you sincerely as you help our cause.

Alternatively, you can also email us on info@yen.ng or message us
via +234 803 931 7767