Daud Olatunji
Prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has rejected claims that politicians are behind the surge in banditry in northern Nigeria.
Instead, he attributes the crisis to the long-standing neglect of marginalized communities, particularly herdsmen, who are now demanding education and a better future for their children.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Gumi dismissed allegations of political involvement in sponsoring the bandits, stressing that the insecurity ravaging the northern region is a grassroots issue, driven by years of deprivation.
“No politician is sponsoring these people. We are all victims. The opposition is not even behind this. This is a natural reaction of people neglected for centuries,” Gumi said, noting that the bandits have become aware of the vast inequalities they face, particularly through exposure to the internet.
The cleric explained that many of these individuals, often portrayed as violent criminals, are seeking change and progress.
“They want education. They are exposed to the internet and see how much they are deprived. They want to fight back,” he stated, highlighting the deeper socioeconomic issues fueling the banditry crisis.
Gumi shared an example of a positive intervention he witnessed in a village between Abuja and Kaduna, where a school built specifically for herdsmen is helping to transform lives.
“Over 600 of them, along with their families, have started schooling there. They are telling us they don’t want their children to be like them. Imagine if we did that all around the country,” he noted, calling for more initiatives focused on education and empowerment.
Despite being a controversial figure due to his calls for amnesty and negotiations with bandits, Gumi has consistently advocated for dialogue over military action.
He revealed that government officials often accompany him on his peace missions to bandit camps, underscoring the legitimacy of his efforts.
“I have never been to any den of these people without officials of the government. I go with the police because one cannot go alone; you must go with them,” he said.
According to Gumi, these discussions are aimed at bringing peace to affected communities and involve not only federal authorities but also traditional rulers and state government representatives.
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