Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has urged the Federal Government to consider granting amnesty to armed bandits as part of efforts to end insecurity in the country.
Naijaonpoint reports that Gumi said Nigeria should adopt a rehabilitation and reintegration approach similar to the one used for repentant Boko Haram members who surrendered to the military.
He spoke on Monday during a press conference at his residence in Kaduna.
The cleric said Nigeria’s continued reliance on military force had failed to end banditry and insurgency after many years.
Gumi said, “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 was to bring the bandits, 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.”
Gumi said some bandits had expressed willingness to lay down their arms if they were assured of safety.
According to him, the government needed to listen to their concerns and address their fears.
He asked, “These people told us they are ready to lay down their arms, but what are their conditions? Has anybody listened to them?
“They said they fear that 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.”
Gumi also denied 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 of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry or terrorism in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” he said.
The cleric said he remained committed to peace and hoped Nigeria would overcome its security challenges.
“I sincerely hope that our great nation will heal, and that all victims affected by this violence will find comfort in the collective determination of the nation and the international community to achieve a lasting solution to the insecurity fueled over time by ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice,” he added.
