Gumi Makes Bold Claim: No More Talks With Bandits As Peace Door Shuts Permanently

Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has expressed regret over what he described as the collapse of efforts to engage bandits in peace negotiations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a viral video circulating online, Gumi—who is widely known for previously visiting bandit enclaves to facilitate dialogue—said he and other religious leaders can no longer play a mediating role in resolving the crisis.

He criticised the Federal Government’s decision to designate bandits as terrorists, arguing that the move has further complicated peace efforts.

“We don’t want to push them into terrorism beyond what they are already doing because it can get worse,” he said.

“They have shown willingness to negotiate, so why rush to label them terrorists instead of exploring dialogue, especially after weapons have been procured for security operations?”

Gumi further recalled that in the past, some captured Boko Haram members were handed over to authorities in Zamfara State, noting that such informal peace channels no longer exist.

According to him, “The only remaining option was for clergy to intervene and negotiate with them, but that door is now permanently closed.”

In other remarks, Gumi recently dismissed criticisms over his visit to Ibadan, Oyo State, stating that he has the right to travel anywhere in Nigeria.

He said his visit had been misinterpreted and wrongly linked to what he described as political tensions in the South-West.

The cleric also denied allegations that his trip was aimed at promoting northern Islamic influence, insisting he was not invited by any Muslim group in the region but attended in his capacity as a representative of northern Islamic scholars.