Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has defended himself against calls for his arrest over his comments on banditry and national security, describing his critics as “spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people.”
In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, Gumi insisted that his engagement with bandits is part of his ongoing efforts to promote peace, and that he has committed no offense by interacting with criminal elements.
He accused his detractors of bigotry, ignorance, and intolerance for opposing views, arguing that they prefer to politicize his peace initiatives instead of addressing the worsening insecurity in the country. “ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter,” he wrote.
Gumi cited a major peace mission he led in January 2021 at Sabon Garin Yadi forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during which he was accompanied by the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, representing the Inspector-General of Police.
He said the meeting brought together over 600 armed bandits and their commanders as part of a broader effort to persuade criminal groups to surrender their weapons, engage in dialogue, and stop attacks on communities.
“I was at Sabon Garin Yadi forest, accompanied by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police. This meeting was part of a peace initiative where we preached to over 600 bandits and their commanders, who agreed to lay down their arms in exchange for security and basic amenities,” he explained.
The cleric emphasized that the negotiations were legitimate, transparent, and conducted with the full knowledge and approval of the authorities.
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