Negotiation With Bandits: I Went To The Forest With Police Commissioner -Abubakar Gumi

More details are emerging on the role played by Islamic Cleric, Abubakar Gumi, concerning the activities of armed bandits in the north.

He has fired back at those calling for his arrest, stating that he did not go into the forest to meet the armed bandits on his own terms.

He said he went there as part of a wider search for peace, accompanied by a police commissioner.

In a Facebook reaction, he said those calling for his arrest, refuse to acknowledge the circumstances of his going to the forest to negotiate with the armed bandits.

“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

“So, what is there to arrest for? For calling them to lay arms or amenities for them, or to educate the nation on their side of the story?” he asked.

He also accused those who called for his arrest on account of his comments, of hypocrisy, saying that the constitution guarantees him free speech.

“Is free speech no longer part of our constitutional right? Is their call for arrest not also prejudiced and an incitement to more violence?” he queried.

According to Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, the bandits requested basic community facilities, freedom from arbitrary arrest and assurances that they would not be targeted after surrendering during the visit.

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Below is a full text of his post:

Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi

ARREST HIM!!!

These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter in the face of a courageous effort by many patriotic citizens to curb the insecurity that bedevils our nation.

For instance, in January 2021, I was at Sabon Garin Yadi forest, Giwa Local Government Area, Kaduna State, accompanied by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Umar Muri. 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.

Gumi and the police emissary

The Purpose of the meeting was an effort to de-escalate violence by having bandits surrender their weapons and embrace peace.

The parley included Me, Police Commissioner Umar Muri (representing the Inspector-General of Police), and over 600 bandits and their commanders.

The Outcome was that over 600 bandits agreed to lay down their arms. They presented conditions to the government for peace, such as providing basic amenities and ending arbitrary arrests. None fulfilled.

So, what is there to arrest for? for calling them to lay arms or amenities for them, or to educate the nation on their side of the story?

And who will do the arrest?

Is free speech no longer part of our constitutional right?

Is their call for arrest not also prejudiced and an incitement to more violence?

Come on, Nigerians can do better than that.

May Allah protect our nation from bigotry, stubborn and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions.