Recent terrorists attack is a tip of the iceberg; Nigerian government must negotiate with bandits—-Sheikh Gumi Boasts
Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has reiterated his stance that a military approach alone cannot resolve the ongoing security challenges plaguing Nigeria.
During an interview with AriseNews TV, Sheikh Gumi emphasized the need for dialogue and negotiation with bandits as a means to tackle the rising wave of insecurity in the country. He pointed to the recent lack of empathy displayed by terrorists towards abducted Nigerians, attributing it to the relentless military offensives against them.
Drawing parallels with the United States’ engagement with the Taliban, Sheikh Gumi urged the Nigerian government to consider dialogue with bandits to quell insurgency activities. He emphasized the importance of understanding the root causes of banditry and addressing them through diplomatic channels rather than solely relying on military force.
“This thing (banditry) is turning into something else. We are turning them into monsters, more monsters than they are. They are ignorant, lack direction, leadership, and empathy due to the way we treat them,” Sheikh Gumi asserted.
Expressing his disillusionment with the military-centric approach to tackling insurgency, he advocated for a shift towards comprehensive detective work, effective policing, and robust social programs. Sheikh Gumi stressed the importance of involving individuals with expertise in resolving such complex issues, criticizing the over-reliance on military intervention.
“As a former military man myself, I don’t think there is a military solution. In fact, it is humiliating for the military to solely handle civilian insurgency,” he remarked.
As Nigeria grapples with escalating security threats, Sheikh Gumi’s call for dialogue and alternative strategies resonates with a growing chorus of voices advocating for a multifaceted approach to addressing the root causes of violence and instability.
