Why bandits say they can’t stop killing – Gumi

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has revealed that some bandits he spoke with expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing violence in Nigeria. Gumi stated that these armed men viewed the cycle of revenge and retaliation as a continuous process. According to Gumi, some bandits believed they would be killed if they stopped their violent activities.

He mentioned that one bandit admitted the bloodshed was excessive, despite the group feeling forced into continued violence. Gumi explained that the armed men complained about military operations that resulted in the killing of women and children in their communities. These men questioned why their families were being targeted, leading to a cycle of attack and counterattack.

Gumi emphasized the need for dialogue and negotiations, stating that religious leaders had a responsibility to encourage both sides to engage in talks. He also pointed out that the proliferation of weapons among armed groups was driven by financial support and an arms race between rival factions, with groups often acquiring more weapons to outmatch each other.

Gumi suggested that foreign intelligence agencies might be involved in the supply of weapons to these groups, though he did not provide evidence to support this claim. Banditry remains a significant security issue in northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West region, where armed groups have carried out numerous killings, kidnappings, and attacks on rural communities.