Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has strongly rejected mounting demands for his arrest, defending his controversial role in mediating peace talks with bandits plaguing northern Nigeria.
Gumi's Fiery Response to Critics
The outspoken cleric described those calling for his detention as "spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people" in a statement shared via Facebook on November 16. He insisted his mediation efforts were legitimate, transparent, and conducted with official approval from security authorities.
Gumi expressed frustration that his peace initiatives had been misrepresented and politicized by detractors who preferred outrage over truth. He maintained that engaging with bandits to secure peace constituted no crime under Nigerian law.
Revealing Details of 2021 Bandit Meeting
The cleric recalled a significant intervention he led in January 2021 in Sabon Garin Yadi forest, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. According to his account, he was escorted by the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, representing the Inspector-General of Police on this sensitive mission.
"I was at Sabon Garin Yadi forest, accompanied by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police... 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 revealed.
He emphasized that the armed groups presented specific conditions to the government, including:
- Provision of basic amenities to their communities
- Protection from arbitrary arrests
- Assurances of safety for those surrendering weapons
Failed Promises and Collapsed Peace
Gumi expressed deep frustration that despite the bandits' willingness to disarm, the government never fulfilled the agreed conditions, leading to the collapse of this peace window.
"The purpose of the meeting was an effort to de-escalate violence by having bandits surrender their weapons and embrace peace. The outcome was that over 600 bandits agreed to lay down their arms. They presented conditions to the government... None fulfilled," he stated.
The cleric questioned why Nigerians were targeting him personally instead of interrogating why authorities failed to implement the agreed terms that could have brought peace.
Constitutional Rights and National Unity
Gumi defended his right to free speech, describing it as a constitutional entitlement that shouldn't be criminalized. "Is free speech no longer part of our constitutional right? Is their call for arrest not also prejudiced and an incitement to more violence?" he queried.
He warned that silencing voices advocating dialogue would only worsen Nigeria's insecurity crisis and deepen national divisions. The cleric urged citizens to consider practical approaches to ending banditry rather than emotional reactions.
Gumi concluded with a prayer for national unity, describing bigotry and intolerance as major threats to peace in Nigeria. "May Allah protect our nation from bigotry, stubborn and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions," he wrote.
