In a recent development in Kaduna, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Muslim cleric, has made a bold move to seek government permission to engage in dialogue with the bandits responsible for the abduction of 287 schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in the Chikun Local Government Area. Gumi firmly believes that dialogue is the key to resolving the crisis, urging President Bola Tinubu to adopt a different approach from his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who rejected the idea of negotiation.
The tragic incident in Kaduna occurred as bandits stormed the Kuriga area, shooting at their victims before kidnapping over 280 pupils and teachers from the schools. This shocking event took place shortly after insurgents abducted 200 internally displaced women in Borno State while they were gathering firewood in the bush.
Sheikh Gumi’s plea for dialogue comes at a time when the government of the affected state has refused to engage in negotiations with the bandits for the release of the schoolchildren. Despite denying claims of hiring a private negotiator, the government remains adamant about not negotiating with the perpetrators.
In response to the government’s stance, Sheikh Gumi emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving such crises, citing his previous successful negotiations with bandits on behalf of state governments. He expressed his readiness to lead a comprehensive dialogue between the government and the bandits, emphasizing the need for peace and cooperation in finding a resolution.
Gumi’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as a parent of one of the kidnapped students from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation in Kaduna State praised his interventions in seeking the release of abducted individuals. Instead of blaming Gumi for the ongoing banditry in the country, Nigerians are urged to commend his dedication to securing the freedom of those held captive.
As the situation unfolds, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s call for dialogue serves as a beacon of hope in the midst of turmoil, highlighting the importance of peaceful resolution and cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by communities affected by banditry and violence.
