Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has reacted sharply to the recent surrender of militants under the Cross River State Government’s amnesty programme, accusing Nigerian authorities of applying double standards in the handling of armed groups across the country.
Gumi made the remarks on his verified Facebook account while commenting on reports that 80 militants in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State had voluntarily laid down their arms as part of a state-backed amnesty initiative.
According to the Nigerian Army, the militants surrendered a cache of weapons and equipment and are currently undergoing profiling for reintegration.
In his reaction, Gumi questioned the consistency of Nigeria’s security and reconciliation policies, stating, “Amnesty halal for them, haram in the north!” He further criticised critics who oppose negotiations or amnesty for armed groups in Northern Nigeria, describing them as “noisy idiots saying no amnesty for criminals.”
The cleric’s comments appear to reference the long-running debate over whether dialogue and amnesty should be extended to armed groups operating in the North, particularly bandits involved in mass kidnappings and rural violence.
Gumi has previously argued that many bandits are driven by grievances and should be engaged through dialogue, a position that has drawn heavy criticism from government officials and sections of the public.
However, critics like Gumi insist that the willingness to grant amnesty in the South, while rejecting similar approaches in the North, fuels perceptions of regional bias and undermines national cohesion. See More
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