Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has said more could have been achieved in the fight against banditry if more Islamic scholars had engaged with bandits in Nigeria’s North-West.
Gumi made the statement in a post on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.
He argued that sustained religious engagement could support military and security operations against bandit groups.
Gumi calls for wider engagement
According to the cleric, more credible Islamic scholars should have been involved in efforts to reach bandits.
He said such engagement could help reduce the need for a mainly military approach in some situations.
Gumi said the goal should be to remind bandits of Islamic teachings on human life and property.
He also said religious leaders could challenge the beliefs and attitudes that encourage violence.
‘Many bandits face social problems’
Gumi argued that some bandits are products of poverty, ignorance and social neglect.
He said these issues have helped the insecurity crisis grow in parts of the North-West.
“People are the victims of their own prejudice,” he wrote.
The cleric said Islamic scholars began engaging with bandits in 2021.
He believes the effort could have produced greater results if more respected scholars had taken part.
Gumi’s proposed approach
Gumi said religious engagement should focus on teaching bandits the value of human life.
He also highlighted the Islamic prohibition against killing, oppression and taking people’s property.
According to him, sustained dialogue could complement security operations.
His comments come amid continuing efforts to address banditry and insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria.
