Speaking on Saturday, Gumi urged security agencies not to undermine the deal but to assist in guiding the bandits toward peaceful living, drawing parallels to the rehabilitation of militants in the Niger Delta.
Northern Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has voiced support for a peace agreement with bandits, advocating for reconciliation.
Speaking on Saturday, Gumi urged security agencies not to undermine the deal but to assist in guiding the bandits toward peaceful living, drawing parallels to the rehabilitation of militants in the Niger Delta.
The cleric’s statement followed a meeting in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina, where traditional rulers and community leaders engaged directly with some of the bandits in an effort to foster dialogue and stability.
Gumi, speaking in the Hausa language, said, “Alhamdulillah. News has come that today, Sabuwa Local Government has also held a peace settlement with the bandits in the forests, to establish peace throughout the entire local government area.”
“Those who fuel war, may Allah bring them down. And may the security agencies avoid destroying this peace agreement, but instead teach them how to live in peace, just as was done with the Niger Delta militants. May Allah bring us peace. Ameen,” the cleric added.
SaharaReporters previously reported that government officials and traditional leaders in Katsina State recently held another round of “peace talks” with bandits in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The meeting, aimed at reducing hostilities and fostering dialogue, brought together local government leaders and representatives of the armed groups operating in the region.
This latest engagement follows a similar peace meeting held last week in Faskari Local Government Area, where notorious bandit kingpins, some carrying weapons and ammunition strapped across their bodies, were in attendance.
Authorities say the peace talks are part of ongoing efforts to address insecurity in Katsina State, which has witnessed repeated attacks and kidnappings linked to bandit groups.
However, concerns remain among residents about the sincerity of the armed groups and the risks involved in negotiating under such tense conditions.
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