“Sheikh Gumi Warns of Growing Radicalization Among Nigerian Bandits After Army Clash”
Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has voiced his concerns about the growing radicalization of bandits in Nigeria.
The cleric, on Sunday, shared a disturbing video via his Facebook page in which bandits were seen celebrating and chanting religious slogans.
This is coming after the bandits reportedly burnt 2 MRAP vehicles belonging to the Nigeria Army on Saturday.
According to a security expert Zagola Makama, the troops encountered bandits at a specified location within the Bello Turji camp, but their vehicle got stuck in the marshy terrain, hindering their advance.
This led to an intense attack from the bandits, which triggered a heavy gunfight that lasted for some hours.
The troops withdrew, leaving behind the vehicles.
Hours later, the bandits appeared in the scene shooting in the sky and screaming that they dislodged the troops and took their vehicles.
Sheikh Gumi suggested that this act could indicate their increasing radicalization.
the cleric had previously advocated for dialogue and negotiation with the bandits as a means to address the security crisis in the northern region.
However, Sheikh Gumi emphasized the urgent need for government to intervene before the situation escalates.
He wrote, “Initially, bandits were fighting an ethnic war that could be resolved. I warned if the kinetic [approach] is intensified, they will turn into ideologically motivated guerilla warfare. Nobody listened.”
“The difference between the former and the latter is that ideological war is almost intractable; Boko Haram (BH) is an example. They commit the same crime, but this time, they think they are serving God. The picture is gloomy,” he added.
