- Burna Boy’s Police Escorts Shoot Married Man After Singer Made Pass At Wife - June 12, 2022
- I’m Ashamed Of Ohanaeze, No Longer Believe In Body – Umahi Attacks Obiozor - June 12, 2022
- June 12: President Buhari’s Democracy Day Speech - June 12, 2022
Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has said that bandits are willing to surrender their weapons and quit banditry if they have a genuine partnership with those in government.
The Kaduna-based Islamic scholar who has been a strong advocate of negotiations with the bandits noted that the bandits are ready to give peace a chance.
He stated this in an interview with DailyPost on Tuesday, adding that the bandits were pushed into the act by prevalent hardship in the country.
Commenting on whether the bandits are tired, Gumi said: “Yes, it’s very true because bandits are saying they were pushed into banditry by circumstances.
“If they have a genuine partner, they are ready to stop it; they are tired and want peace.
“As regards their ongoing activities, you realise that even when soldiers are fighting and a ceasefire is declared, it takes a long time before they stop fighting.
“We are able to see about 80 per cent of the big ones and then some small splinter groups which we could not meet because due to circumstances as we cannot go into the bush again.
“But generally, they are ready for peace, in fact, we have gathered their representatives, discussed with them, and they said they are ready but need a genuine partner. Politics is the cause of this issue.”
Bandits have been wreaking havoc in the Northern part of the country.
This post was written by Obiajulu Joel Nwolu.
The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.