Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, the controversial Islamic cleric from Kaduna, has claimed that tracking bandits is no different from finding anyone you want to meet.
In an interview with Punch, Gumi explained that since the bandits are Nigerians, they can be located through their family members, offering a possible avenue for negotiation and peaceful resolution.
He further noted that when approached as negotiators or preachers, bandits often show openness, suggesting they are willing to engage in dialogue.
He argued that this approach could lead to meaningful conversations to convince them to abandon their criminal activities.
Gumi said,
"People should not talk like that. This is unintelligent. For instance, if you are in Lagos or Ogun State and you have access to see people, do you ask how you have access to them? These people are Nigerians; we can trace them through their relatives and all that easily.
"When one approaches them as a negotiator or a preacher, they open their hearts. So, they can be approached and convinced. The question is: Why is the government not taking that course? Well, I can say the present government has learned from the legacy of the past.
"The only thing I think is lacking here is that the talking is too much. If you stand on the right side, then we will get results."
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