Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has reiterated his stance on negotiating with armed bandits, insisting that dialogue remains a legitimate tool for resolving conflict and preventing further bloodshed.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Pidgin News, the Kaduna-based scholar argued that neither Islam nor Christianity prohibits engagement with violent groups when it can lead to peace.
“What do you mean when they say we don’t negotiate with terror? That word isn’t in the Bible or the Quran. Everybody negotiates with bandits,” Gumi said.
He referenced global examples, noting that even powerful nations engage non-state actors when strategic interests or humanitarian concerns are at stake.
“America had an office where they negotiated with the Dalai Lama in Qatar. Everyone negotiates with outlaws. We negotiate for peace. If it stops bloodshed, we do it.”
Responding to criticisms that his visits to bandit camps embolden criminals, Gumi stressed that his actions were always coordinated with authorities and media personnel.
“Anyone who thinks I legitimize them doesn’t understand the situation. I never go alone; I go with officials and journalists.”
He said his last engagement with bandit groups took place in 2021, when he attempted to unify factions for peace talks.
While some state governments welcomed the effort, the federal government did not fully support it.
“When they were declared terrorists, we completely disengaged,” he said.
Clarifies Controversial ‘Lesser Evil’ Comment
Gumi also revisited his earlier statement suggesting that kidnapping children was a “lesser evil” than killing soldiers remarks that generated widespread outrage.
“Kidnapping is lesser, but both are evil,” he clarified.
He gave an example from Kebbi State, where abducted children were later released unharmed.
He condemned the recent abduction of over 230 schoolchildren in Niger State, calling the act “evil” and praying for their safe return.
While expressing strong support for Nigeria’s security forces, Gumi noted that the military cannot shoulder the entire burden of tackling banditry.
According to him, only 95% of the response can be kinetic; the rest requires political solutions and community involvement.
“We shouldn’t burden the military with more than they can handle.”
Banditry Linked to Fulani Livelihoods
Gumi stated that most bandits are Fulani herders whose lives revolve around cattle rearing an inherited occupation deeply tied to their identity.
He acknowledged that banditry has spread across the North-West and parts of the South-West but said the situation is less deadly than during the early years of village raids and mass killings.