Give bandits amnesty- Gumi tells FG

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, has again called on the Federal government to grant amnesty to armed bandits.

According to him, the Federal government should adopt the same rehabilitation approach used for repentant Boko Haram members who surrendered to the military.

Gumi made the call during a press conference in his house on Monday, May 25.

In his words

“If the kinetic approach is not working for 17 years, why don’t you change the approach? Let’s change the method. Because what Katsina did is to bring the band!ts, give them money, and let them go with the rebels. Why don’t we change the method? Let’s engage them. Let’s dislodge them from the forest. Let’s take their children and put them in school. Let’s do something different. But you see, when you want money to be spent, when you want a budget to be spent, that is when it will come.”

According to him, some bandits have expressed willingness to lay down their arms if guaranteed protection from arrest or retaliation.

“These people (bandits) told us they are ready to lay down their arms, but what are their conditions? Has anybody listened to them? They said they fear when they lay down arms, they will then be pursued and arrested. So give them the amnesty so that they don’t need to fear putting down their arms and see. Let’s change the approach. Let’s change the methodology.”

The cleric also used the briefing to deny allegations that he supports terrorism or violent groups.

“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo, suggesting support for, justification or protection of, or advocacy for banditry or terrorism in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me”he said