Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has broken his silence after an invitation by the Department of State Services over his comments on the activities of bandits in the country.

According to him, the invitation was necessary, and he had a productive interaction with the security agents who queried him.

The PUNCH reports that the Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that the prominent Islamic cleric was invited for questioning while noting that no one was above the law.He (Gumi) had offered to dialogue with bandits who abducted from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in the Chikun Local Government Area of the Kaduna State.

He urged President Bola Tinubu not to repeat the mistake made by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who he said refused to dialogue with bandits.

The abducted Kaduna children were released on Sunday, with the government saying no ransom was paid for their release.

Gumi, in a social media post titled, ‘Only one person is above the law: The Innocent!’ on Tuesday, wrote, “Last night, I got many frantic calls from well-wishers and journalists about a news item that I was interviewed by security. There is absolutely no cause for alarm.

"Yes, we had a productive interaction on how to curb banditry as we are all trying – each in his own sphere – to tackle the monster bedevilling the nation. There was no animosity but courtesy and full of respect.

“We all need as a nation to unite and work in synergy to achieve an everlasting peace. I thank you for your concern. May Allah continue to protect us all from all evil.”

Gumi had previously negotiated on behalf of state governments to free abducted persons.

Last week, the Federal Government named his associate, Tukur Mamu, among persons linked with terrorism financing.

In his response, Gumi condemned the list saying only a court of competent jurisdiction can so tag his associates and others who appeared on the list as terrorism financiers.

Sunnycliff:
Chief Bandits negotiator!

Imagine 80%. of Nigeria Youths takes up banditry as a way of life, how will it be?

Why negotiate with criminals and be treating them in kids glove?

dominique:
What sort of dialogue does this mad Sheikh expect the government to have with these ruthless blood thirsty bandits? He expects the government to give them what they want else the killing, kidnaping and destruction won't end. Should the government do the same for other criminals or these bandits are a special breed? There a lot of things I want that I don't have, do I go about killing people, kidnapping children and destroying properties expecting the government to have dialogue with me and grant my wishes? Is that not madness? In a sane country, this sheikh will be cooling his heels behind bars by now

Fareke:


https://punchng.com/i-had-productive-interaction-with-security-men-gumi-confirms-invitation/

elbangeez:
Even the holy USA and Israel negotiate with terrorists, why not Nigeria? Gummi is insinuating that Nigeeria has used all force in trying to tacckle banditry and it failed, why not call for a dialogue with the bandits? With all the might of israel and carpet bombing of Gaza couldnt release the hostages held by hamas and all the world is asking for negotiation, you cant fight people who doesnt have an iota of value atached to their life, wether they live or die it doesnt matter to them.