Banditry, Kidnapping, And Gumi’s Rhetoric

The scourge of banditry has become a grave concern in Nigeria, with attacks occurring relentlessly across various states, towns, and villages.

These bandits, often armed and organized, unleash terror and havoc without any regard for human life or property. Their actions have resulted in widespread destruction, leaving communities shattered and families grieving.

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Banditary, Killing, and Kidnapping

One of the most distressing aspects of these attacks is the staggering loss of innocent lives. Hundreds of thousands of people have fallen victim to these ruthless bandits as their lives are being cut short with reckless abandon.

File Image of Sheik Gumi During meeting with bandits in Zamfara

As far as these marauders are concerned, Women or Children are not considered as weak. They, alongside men, are being targeted and robbed of their futures. Families are left devastated, grappling with the incomprehensible loss of loved ones.

Apart from killing, another criminal activity being perpetrated by bandits is the abduction of defenseless residents. Kidnapping has become a prevalent tactic, with victims often held captive for several days, weeks, or even months until ransom is paid.

Families are forced to endure the anguish of not knowing the fate of their loved ones, praying for their safe return while navigating the harrowing ordeal of negotiating with ruthless captors. The psychological toll on both the victims and their families is immeasurable, leaving scars that may never fully heal.

In March 2024 alone, over 500 victims, comprising school children, travelers, and farmers, were kidnapped. While some have been rescued by security operatives, others still languish in the hands of these assailants. Just like the hike in prices of goods and services, ransom requests have also gone up the roof. Hundreds of millions, billions, and even trillions are now being randomly sought out.

Sheik Gumi And Bandits

Given the clear nature of crime against humanity being committed by these criminal elements, it is unimaginable to have anyone publicly justify their activities.

Nobody but Sheik Ahmad Gumi.

Sheik Gumi, the Kaduna-based cleric, has remained a controversial figure with his constant insensitive justification of banditry and bandits’ activities. Despite the heinous crimes committed by these criminals, Gumi has continuously attempted to rationalize their actions, suggesting that they are driven by economic hardship rather than outright criminal intent.

“Kidnapping children from school is a lesser evil because, in the end, you can negotiate, and now bandits are very careful about human lives. Before, the mission of bandits was to go into a town, ransack it, and kill people.”
— Ahmad Gumi, Commending kidnappers.

Such justification is not only misguided but also deeply disrespectful to the countless families and communities who have suffered at the hands of these bandits. The loss of innocent lives, the destruction of homes and livelihoods, and the trauma inflicted upon victims cannot be brushed aside with flimsy excuses. It shows a lack of compassion and empathy for those who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering.

The consequences of such rhetoric are too damning to overlook. Gumi’s persistent advocacy for negotiating with bandits represents a dangerous compromise of justice and undermines efforts to combat criminality in Nigeria.

While significant, the federal government’s recent invitation to him falls short of addressing the urgency and severity of the situation. Decisive action is imperative to confront and dismantle the networks of individuals who perpetrate criminal activities under the guise of negotiation.

By continuously advocating for dialogue with bandits, Gumi risks legitimizing their criminal behavior and eroding public trust in the rule of law. This approach not only emboldens criminals but also sends a dangerous message that violence and extortion can be rewarded through negotiation.

Such concessions only serve to further entrench criminal elements within society and prolong the cycle of lawlessness and impunity bedeviling Nigerian society.

Further Reading

While the role of ‘religious leaders’ such as Sheikh Gumi in promoting peace and justice cannot be overstated, it is imperative that they utilize their influence to foster peace, orderliness, and security within their communities.

To stem the tide of bandit attacks in our land, religious and traditional rulers must step up to actively assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending criminal elements within their domains. This clearly does not include defending the indefensible out of ethnic or religious allegiance.

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Akande Ismail Abiola