GRANT AMNESTY TO BANDITS, GUMI APPEALS TO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

The Kaduna-based Islamic controversial cleric, Ahmad Gumi , has advised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider granting amnesty to armed bandits.

The Cleric disclosed this while addressing the Journalists during a press conference at his residence in Kaduna on Monday.

Gumi said the country should adopt the same rehabilitation approach used for repentant Boko Haram members who surrendered to the military.

According to him, Nigeria’s prolonged reliance on military force has failed to end banditry and insurgency.

He said “If the kinetic approach is not working for 17 years, let the Government change the approach”

Gumi noted that dislodging them from the forest, taking their children, and putting them in school will go along way to end this insecurity.

“Let’s do something different. But you see, when you want money to be spent, when you want a budget to be spent, that is when it will come.” Gumi declared

The Kaduna based -cleric pointed out that the authorities have not paid enough attention to reintegration and rehabilitation strategies despite the number of insurgents who have surrendered over the years.

“Some bandits have expressed willingness to lay down their arms if they are guaranteed protection from arrest or retaliation.” Gumi declared

“These people (bandits) told us they are ready to lay down their arms, but what are their conditions? Has anybody listened to them?” the controversial cleric asked

He stressed the need to give them the amnesty so that they don’t need to fear putting down their arms and see. Let’s change the approach. Let’s change the methodology.”

The cleric also used the briefing to deny allegations that he supports terrorism or violent groups.

Gumi said he remains committed to peace and hopeful that Nigeria would overcome its security crisis.