Eko hot blog reports that In a bid to address the alarming rate of abductions by bandits, Kaduna-based cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged the government to embrace dialogue rather than following the path of previous administrations.
Following the recent abduction of 287 schoolchildren in Kaduna State, Gumi emphasized the need for negotiation, urging President Bola Tinubu to deviate from the approach of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who shunned dialogue with bandits.
Gumi’s plea comes in the wake of escalating banditry, including the abduction of 200 internally displaced women in Borno State and previous incidents in Kaduna State. Despite public outcry and protests against the abductions, the government has maintained its stance against negotiating with bandits.
Expressing his disappointment with the government’s position, Gumi emphasized the importance of dialogue, citing past successes such as the release of passengers abducted on the Abuja-Kaduna train in 2022. He offered to lead discussions between the government and bandits, citing his religious duty to pursue peace.
Gumi, known for his previous negotiations with bandits on behalf of state governments, has faced criticism and commendation alike for his involvement in seeking the release of abducted individuals.
However, he maintains that dialogue remains the most viable solution to the ongoing crisis.
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