Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent and often divisive Islamic cleric, has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian military and other security forces, urging them to avoid antagonizing bandit and terrorist factions. This caution comes in the wake of several peace agreements recently established between these groups and local communities in Katsina State.
Based in Kaduna, Sheikh Gumi conveyed his message through his official Facebook page on Monday, emphasizing the importance of honoring the peace accords reached between militants and residents of Faskari Local Government Area. He stressed that provoking these armed groups could jeopardize the fragile truce and potentially trigger a resurgence of violence.
The peace dialogue, which has attracted significant attention, occurred on Sunday and involved traditional leaders, community members, and a notorious bandit leader, Ado Alero, accompanied by hundreds of armed herders. Another infamous figure, Kwashé Garwa-recently declared wanted by the Department of State Services (DSS) due to his involvement in kidnappings and killings-was also present.
Footage from the meeting, widely shared on social media, depicted heavily armed bandits openly negotiating with local authorities, signaling a rare moment of direct engagement between the two sides.
During the discussions, Alero revealed that tensions with security forces escalated after one of his men was detained without any explanation, despite repeated appeals to local and state officials. He highlighted that the group’s grievances stem from ongoing violence, including murders, abductions, and destruction of property.
Describing the peace talks as a groundbreaking development, Alero remarked:
“This is the largest gathering we’ve seen since initiating these peace efforts. It fills me with hope that, God willing, peace will be restored-not just in Faskari or Katsina State, but throughout Nigeria.”
He added, “The catalyst for this meeting was the arrest of one of my men. At that time, relations with security forces were strained, and despite my inquiries, no reasons were given for his detention.”
In his Facebook statement, Sheikh Gumi cautioned that any aggressive actions against these armed factions could unravel the delicate peace and reignite conflict in the region.
“There are individuals opposed to peace who might incite violence by attacking these groups. It’s crucial to educate them, as they are often manipulated due to ignorance and a desire for revenge,” Gumi wrote.
He further challenged the prevailing narratives, stating, “In Nigeria, whenever discussions arise, Fulani herders are quickly labeled as bandits and terrorists. But tell me, which ethnic group worldwide is free of criminals? The Hausa people, who accuse us, also have their share of bandits.”
“There are many-dozens, even-but they are not stereotyped as we are. This biased labeling must end if the cycle of killings and kidnappings is to stop.”
Gumi urged that justice be impartially administered, calling on the President to ensure fairness at the national level and for state leaders to take appropriate action locally.
He posed a critical question: “Why is it that only our actions are publicized globally, while the injustices committed against us remain hidden?”
Concluding, he warned, “Peace will remain elusive if security agencies continue to kill our people.”
