Gumi: Nigerian Government’s Kinetic Approach Aggravates Banditry, Urges Dialogue

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticized the Nigerian government’s kinetic approach to addressing banditry and terrorism, stating that it is only making the bandits more vicious.

Gumi suggested that the government should engage in dialogue with the bandits rather than pay any ransom for victims’ freedom.

In an interview with Arise Television, Gumi mentioned that the recent kidnappings in Kaduna State and the demand of N40 trillion as ransom by the bandits was only a bargaining tool.

He emphasized the need for a change in approach by the Nigerian government to issues of banditry and terrorism.

Gumi stated that he supports the government’s stance of not paying any ransom, but he believes that the government must engage in dialogue with the bandits.

He explained that, from his knowledge of their psychology, the bandits are only demanding such a large amount of money to have a stronger bargaining position.

The Islamic cleric also highlighted the increasing viciousness of the bandits, attributing it to the government’s kinetic approach.

He argued that the government’s over-emphasis on this approach has led to the worsening of the situation.

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi believes that the Nigerian government should focus on dialogue and negotiation with bandits instead of solely relying on a kinetic approach to address the issue of banditry and terrorism.

This, he believes, will help in reducing the violence and kidnappings in the country.