In the wake of escalating insecurity in the Northern region of Nigeria, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has thrown its weight behind the call by Kaduna-based Muslim cleric, Sheikh Gumi, to engage in dialogue with bandits.
This move comes on the heels of the recent abduction of 287 schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The NEF expressed optimism that Sheikh Gumi’s intervention could potentially secure the release of the abducted children and prevent future incidents of abduction.
Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the spokesman for NEF, noted the importance of exploring peaceful avenues to resolve the crisis in Kaduna.
In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Suleiman stated, “Gumi should be supported to bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Kaduna.”
He further elaborated on the rationale behind negotiating with bandits, asserting that it does not signify condoning their actions or granting them impunity. Instead, it is viewed as a strategic move to de-escalate the situation and safeguard the lives of innocent victims.
Suleiman emphasised the potential benefits of dialogue, stating, “In conflict resolution, dialogue is often seen as crucial to finding peaceful solutions.”
He highlighted the importance of understanding the grievances and motivations of the bandits, which could pave the way for addressing underlying issues such as poverty, lack of education, and marginalization.
Moreover, Suleiman stressed that initiating talks with the bandits does not imply endorsing their actions, rather, it is a pragmatic approach aimed at securing the release of the abducted children and preventing future occurrences.
He urged stakeholders to support Gumi’s efforts as a means of bringing about peace in Kaduna.
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Gumi, known for his advocacy for dialogue with armed groups had earlier in the week appealed to President Bola Tinubu to allow negotiation with the bandits.
The controversial Islamic cleric criticised the Federal Government’s strategy of resorting to force or kinetic means to secure the release of kidnapping victims.
Speaking on an Arise Television show, Gumi expressed his concerns, suggesting that the government should adopt a different approach to address the escalating crisis.
Gumi stressed the need for the government to engage more closely with the bandits responsible for the kidnappings.
He argued that instead of employing a heavy-handed approach, efforts should be made to understand the root causes of the bandits’ actions and provide them with better living conditions.
According to Gumi, the current use of force has only served to exacerbate the situation, turning the bandits into even more formidable adversaries.
He stated, “These bandits are getting more vicious. Before they were not doing this. They are heading to softer targets and we can only attribute this to the kinetic approach.”
Gumi also emphasised the need for a non-kinetic approach, advocating for a program similar to the amnesty initiative implemented for militants in the Niger Delta region.
Gumi explained, “You need a program just like the Niger Delta, a program which will bring them out of their forests, educating them, giving them healthcare, giving them a peaceful life.”
The cleric asserted that the government possesses information about the leaders of the bandit groups but lacks knowledge of their foot soldiers, making it difficult to effectively combat the insurgency.
He urged for a more nuanced approach that takes into account the complexities of the situation. “If you don’t know their foot soldiers, how can you be fighting? They can just come into the town as civilians and then go out,” he remarked.
