Controversial Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has cautioned the Nigerian Army and other security agencies against provoking armed groups in Katsina State following a peace deal recently reached in Faskari Local Government Area.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Gumi warned that renewed military action against the groups could derail the fragile peace process.
“Some people who don’t want peace will provoke them again by attacking them. It’s very important to educate them that they are used by capitalising on their ignorance and zeal to vengeance,” he wrote.
The warning came after a peace meeting in Faskari on Sunday involving residents, traditional leaders, and a wanted bandit leader, Ado Alero, alongside dozens of armed herders. A video circulating online showed participants openly carrying rifles and ammunition while engaging in dialogue with community leaders.
Speaking during the gathering, Alero linked past hostilities with security operatives to the unexplained arrest of one of his men.
“What brought about this meeting is that one of my boys was arrested. At that time, we were not on good terms with the security operatives. I asked why they arrested him, but they did not give me any explanation,” he said.
He explained that appeals to both local and state authorities yielded no results.
“I made inquiries from the Faskari Local Government up to the state government. I spoke with the Secretary to the Katsina State Governor, and I also spoke with the then Chairman of Miyetti Allah before he died. We followed due process at the time, but we were unable to secure his release. They never told us why he was arrested, and from there, I left the matter,” he added.
Describing the latest peace initiative as unique, Alero expressed optimism about its impact.
“Since we started having peace meetings, people have never gathered in such large numbers like this. This meeting gives me hope that, Insha Allah, peace will be restored—not only in Faskari and Katsina State but across the entire country,” he said.
Also present was Fulani herder Kwashé Garwa, who was captured on video with ammunition strapped to his waist. He decried the blanket labeling of Fulani people as bandits, arguing that criminality exists among all ethnic groups.
“In Nigeria, whenever there is a discussion, they call Fulani herders bandits and terrorists. But tell me, which tribe in the world does not have criminals among them? You Hausas, who say we are bandits, don’t you also have bandits among you? There are many, in fact dozens upon dozens. Yet, no one stereotypes you with such a name, but they stereotype us as bandits. If this stereotyping does not stop, then the killings and kidnappings will also not stop,” he said.
He further urged leaders at both national and state levels to ensure fairness and justice, stressing that peace would remain elusive if security forces continued to target their communities.
“My second question is: why do they publicize only what we do to the world, but never publicize what is done to us? There will be no peace if security agencies do not also stop killing our people,” he added.