Islamic Cleric Gumi warns military to stay away from bandits’ peace, reconciliation in Katsina

Controversial Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi has warned the Nigerian Military to stay away and not try to attack bandits and terrorists who are currently making moves for peace and reconciliation with the people of Katsina State.

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi who has been playing mediatory role in bringing the non state actors to the table for reconciliation cautioned the military and other security agents against provoking terrorists to anger after a deal for peace has been struck on Sunday in Faskari Local Government Council in Katsina State, north western Nigeria.

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In a Facebook post, Gumi warned that any attempt to attack the armed groups could reignite violence in the state.\

“Some people who don’t want peace, will provoke them again by attacking them. It’s very important to educate them that they are used by capitalising on their ignorance and zeal to vengeance,” Gumi wrote.

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CAPITAL POST reported that a dreaded bandit kingpin, Ado Alero and dozens of bandits and terrorists trooped out on Sunday for a meeting in Faskari between residents, local traditional leaders where peace was brokered.

A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows participants, many visibly armed with rifles and ammunition, openly engaging in dialogue with community leaders.

During the meeting, Alero admitted that past hostilities with security operatives worsened after one of his followers was arrested without explanation despite appeals to local and state authorities.

“What brought about this meeting is that one of my boys was arrested. At that time, we were not on good terms with the security operatives. I asked why they arrested him, but they did not give me any explanation,” he said.

He added that despite contacting the Secretary to the Katsina State Government and the then-chairman of Miyetti Allah before his death, no resolution was reached.

“I made inquiries from the Faskari Local Government up to the state government. I spoke with the Secretary to the Katsina State Governor, and I also spoke with the then Chairman of Miyetti Allah before he died,” he said.

“We followed due process at the time, but we were unable to secure his release. They never told us why he was arrested, and from there, I left the matter.”

Alero further described the latest peace initiative as unprecedented, saying, “Since we started having peace meetings, people have never gathered in such large numbers like this. This meeting gives me hope that, Insha Allah, peace will be restored—not only in Faskari and Katsina State but across the entire country.”

Also present was a Fulani herder Kwashé Garwa, who was filmed with ammunition strapped to his waist. He condemned the stereotyping of Fulani as bandits, insisting that criminality exists among all tribes.

He explained that they were united by pressing issues, including killings, kidnappings, and property destruction.

He asked, “In Nigeria, whenever there is a discussion, they call Fulani herders bandits and terrorists. But tell me, which tribe in the world does not have criminals among them? You Hausas, who say we are bandits, don’t you also have bandits among you?

“There are many, in fact dozens upon dozens. Yet, no one stereotypes you with such a name, but they stereotype us as bandits. If this stereotyping does not stop, then the killings and kidnappings will also not stop.”

“Until justice is served to everyone, the President should allow justice to take its course, and at the state level, leaders should also do the needful,” he added.

“My second question is: why do they publicize only what we do to the world, but never publicize what is done to us?”

“There will be no peace if security agencies do not also stop killing our people,” he added.

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