It Won’t Change Anything, Sheikh Gumi Reacts to Declaration of Bandits as Terrorists

• Sheikh Gumi is of the opinion that the declaration of bandits as terrorists will not have any practical value
• The prominent Islamic cleric in reaction to the declaration said the federal government gave in to the media blackmail
• According to him, the decision taken for mere political expediency, adding that before the declaration they were treated as terrorists

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has reacted to the Federal High Court's decision to declare bandits as terrorists, saying it will not change anything, The Nation reports

The Kaduna-based Islamic scholar in a statement by Malam Tukur Mamu, his media consultant and Dan-Iyan Fika explained that even before the declaration bandits were being treated as terrorists.

According to him, bandits are herdsmen, and giving such a label will result in more violence in the country.

In another report by Vanguard, Gumi described the move as a decision taken for mere political expediency, saying the federal government succumbed to media blackmail by a section of the country.

Read also

Insecurity: Go after sponsors of killers, stop accusing us, Northeast Youths tell Buhari

He went on to note that the declaration cannot solve the country's insecurity problems, adding that banditry is a part of W Nigeria.

The Muslim scholar recalled when IPOB was declared a terrorist organisation, it failed to be effective or to achieve the desired results as the international community did not recognise FG’s declaration.

Court takes final decision against bandits

Legit.ng previously reported that bandits under the Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups were declared terrorists by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo on Friday, November 26, made the declaration on an ex-parte motion filed by the Nigerian government against the bandits.

A director of public prosecution at the federal ministry of justice, Mohammed Abubakar, had filed the motion over approval from President Muhammadu Buhari.

Read also

Presidency berates Obasanjo, others over comment on Buhari's Administration

Sheikh Gumi leads medical team to Kogi forest to treat sick Fulanis

Meanwhile, Gumi on Tuesday, November 23, led a team of Islamic preachers and medical personnel to Rugan Ardo Zubairu Okebukun at Ayangban grazing reserve, a Fulani settlement in Yagba local government area of Kogi state to offer free medical services to them.

Nasir Ayuba, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, urged Fulanis in the settlement to embrace Western education as well as Islamic education.

He also advised them to eschew violence and to shun banditry, adding that the team was in their settlement to treat Fulanis who were in need of medical attention.

Source: Legit.ng