The Department of State Security (DSS) has invited Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi for questioning, The Nation reports.
He is the eldest son of the late Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, a renowned Islamic Scholar, and judge, who during his lifetime was caught up in some controversies too.
It is reported that Gumi became more controversial, after his meeting with over 500 armed bandits in Zamfara State on February 2, 2021.
In December when 334 boys were abducted from Government Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, Gumi brokered the deal that led to the eventual release of all the students
When dozens of students were kidnapped at Government Science College (GSC) Kagara but were later released after a negotiation with the state government, it was reportedly brokered by Gumi.
Gumi had campaigned for blanket amnesty for all the bandits, arguing that the federal government had done the same to Niger Delta militants during the Yar’Adua presidency.
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His recent remarks about the Nigerian Army may have stirred the hornets’ nest, he had accused security personnel of colluding with bandits in the northern part of the country.
But reacting in a statement on Wednesday, Army’s spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu said while there may be some officers guilty of such accusations, the army doesn’t condone acts sabotaging its efforts.
The allegation, he said, is not only sad and unfortunate but a calculated attempt to denigrate the Nigerian military and undermine the sacrifices of patriotic troops, who are working tirelessly to restore peace and stability across the country.
Gumi reportedly stated that that Nigeria is fighting a tribal war, calling for amnesty for bandits if they must quit their criminal acts.
He specifically urged farmers across the country to allow herdsmen to protect their forests.
“What you call banditry, when you cross to the other side, you discover Nigeria is fighting a tribal war and government is supposed to be the mediator, it is supposed to be neutral, it’s not supposed to take sides,” Gumi said on Arise TV on Wednesday morning.
Gumi also called for “fairness” in the comparison between the two groups, saying one “is killing our gallant men” while the other is “kidnapping children to make money and not to kill them.”
“IPOB is attacking the police, the army, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other government institutions; killing our men in service,” he said.
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