In an interview with Vanguard columnists Donu Kogbara and British journalist Patrick, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a well-known Islamic leader known for his connections to the bandits and herdsmen causing turmoil in Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions, discussed the intricate nature of the problem at hand.
He argued that the groups were not challenging the state, but rather addressing the wrongdoing of the state. This, he said, was the reason behind the kidnappings, as they sought the release of prisoners. Gumi also criticized President Buhari for being the first President to have killed innocent herdsmen.
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Gumi went on to explain that the root cause of the problem lies in the disbandment of these groups by the authorities. When their camps were dismantled, they were forced to take up arms and resort to criminal activities to survive.
He emphasized that addressing the underlying issues such as poverty, unemployment and lack of education is crucial in finding a solution to the problem. He also called for dialogue and negotiation with these groups as a way to bring an end to the violence. Overall, Gumi highlighted that the problem is a complex one and requires a multi-faceted approach to effectively address it.
You were instrumental in the release of some kidnapped Abuja-bound train travellers. How did you make it happen?
In recent news, the issue of kidnappings and violence by outlaw groups has been brought to the forefront. Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric, has attempted to mediate and secure the release of the victims. However, as he explains, these groups consist of individuals who feel society has wronged them.
To address this issue, Gumi suggests engaging with them and trying to understand their perspective. He notes that many of these individuals lack proper education and are often young and uneducated men. He also reveals that some of them may have elementary or secondary education, but they are not the typical herdsmen that people are familiar with. Rather, they are a splinter group of terrorists.
Which specifically?
Yes, we have reason to believe that the group in question is a faction of Ansaru
Is it the Ansaru faction of Boko Haram?
They are less violent and more civilized compared to Boko Haram.
Are they linked to Daesh, the Islamic State in West Africa Province as well?
The community in question was forced to establish a small settlement where they could reside. Unfortunately, their group was eventually dissolved and some of their members were even apprehended. As a result, they scattered and obtained weapons to defend themselves. It’s important to note that Boko Haram and ISWAP were originally one . Boko Haram was known for committing atrocities against innocent civilians.
However, when the Daesh emerged, they chose to align themselves with it and become one of its subsidiaries. They are no longer considered to be part of Boko Haram. Their primary concern is not Boko Haram, but rather the desire to live a secluded life in the forest, free from outside interference. However, due to fear of Boko Haram, the authorities dismantled their camp.
As a result of their camp being disbanded, they turned to armed resistance. They were not trying to overthrow the government, but rather to fight against perceived injustices committed by the state. This is evident in their actions, such as taking hostages in order to secure the release of their own members who had been arrested. The situation has since evolved, and the distinctions between the groups are now clearer.
People say that Boko Haram would never have taken up arms if it hadn’t been for the killing of their leader Mohammed Yusuf, right?
Yes, yes, absolutely.
It’s a similar pattern you think where the state overreacts?
There is a similar pattern. However, it is worth noting that the Ansaru people do not reject the use of English or civilization.
What is your opinion on providing publicity to groups that promote extremist ideologies, taking into account the controversy surrounding it and the potential consequences of amplifying their message as seen in situations such as the BBC’s documentary and the government’s response to it?
In my opinion, providing publicity to these groups can actually be beneficial in diffusing tensions. We have seen examples in the past where leaders of such groups, when given a platform to speak, have publicly announced their willingness to pursue peace.
This is similar to the approach taken with Niger Delta militants, where exposure helped to address their grievances and ultimately led to a resolution. The idea that hiding and demonizing these groups will solve the problem is misguided. It’s important to remember that these individuals have their own grievances and are just as heavily armed as the government.
Instead of feeling superior, the government should be willing to sit down and have open dialogue with these groups in order to find a peaceful resolution. After all, preventing kidnappings is not something that can be achieved by the government alone.
You were in the army, what do you think is the problem?
The issue at hand lies not with any particular group or ideology, but rather with the fundamental design of the security system in place.
A recent tragic incident in Borno State saw the tragic loss of an Islamic scholar at the hands of two soldiers, highlighting that the root cause of such incidents is not rooted in religious differences, but rather in criminal behavior.
It is not uncommon for individuals with a criminal past to infiltrate the ranks of the military and law enforcement. This is often due to the fact that the recruitment process for these organizations has become heavily influenced by financial considerations. These individuals, who may have access to illegal weapons and resources, can pose a significant threat to the integrity of the security agencies.
Even the highest-ranking officials, such as the commanders-in-chief, must take a critical look at the current system and implement necessary changes in order to effectively address this issue.
When you said restructure it, do you mean making it bigger, smaller or…?
In order to optimize the effectiveness of the security system, it is essential to modernize its practices and eliminate any individuals who may be acting irresponsibly.
Implementing a system of checks and balances is crucial in ensuring accountability and maintaining the integrity of the system. By allowing the security system to function as it should, we can minimize the likelihood of any issues arising within the country.
A lot of people accuse the President of being complicit. They say he is sectional and doesn’t want to do anything that will harm noble Muslims, especially Fulani. Do you believe that?
.Contrary to popular belief, it is not true that the current President is responsible for the killing of innocent herdsmen in the forest. The issue of violence and displacement of herders began during the previous administration and has continued to escalate.
The herdsmen are merely reacting to the excessive use of force by the armed forces, which has resulted in the loss of their homes and livelihoods.
I have personally taken the time to sit down and hear their grievances, but unfortunately, my efforts were met with little support from the government or the press. The media, in particular, was quite hostile and unwilling to listen to their side of the story.
Even when we tried to bring attention to the fact that some of the children of these so-called “criminals” were being held in detention, we were met with accusations of trying to justify their actions.
It is important to remember that no matter how “criminally-minded” an individual may be, their children should not be punished for their actions. It is through understanding and addressing the root causes of this problem that we can hope to see a resolution.
Are you saying that anyone who takes up arms against the Federal Government, the best way to deal with the person is to establish channels of communication and negotiate?
Indeed, it is important to recognize that the actions of certain individuals or groups may stem from a sense of injustice or dissatisfaction.
By taking the time to understand their grievances and actively working towards resolving them, we can help to address the underlying issues and prevent further conflict.
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