Popular cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has explained things he tells bandits each time he meets them..
Gumi has always given his perspective on what he believes should be done to stop banditry.
He often says they should be granted amnesty.
Many have found his position and style unacceptable.
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But speaking on ‘Journalist Hangout’ on TVC on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, he said he never condoned criminality, adding that he was not sympathetic to them.
He said, “My stand is very clear. Insecurity, especially as is affecting the Northern region shouldn’t be if there is good leadership or management. We are talking about two people who used to live together now fighting. If you can reconcile them, it will be over.
“I always ask them (bandits), ‘Why are the kidnapping and raping?’ I give them enough time to talk; I preach to them, that what they are doing is bad. And you find them very receptive, contrary to what people think.”
He added that some of the bandits were, saying that was why I say it was a socio-economic problem.
According to them, cutting telecoms services doesn’t make sense as it works in the favour of invaders.
He said people could no more call for help when being attacked.
He added, “I preach to them to leave crime. Immediately we preach to them, some of them who smoke hemp stop the act. Some of their leaders ban hard drugs. They are trying to change. But there are still some becoming harsher, as military action is hard on them.
“During the last Ramadan, I sent five Fulani-speaking preachers to a group and they listened to them.
“I am not sympathetic with them. I dot condone criminality. I want criminality to stop, that is why I went there. I found out they are human beings. So, we should explore the window of reaching out to them.”
