A Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, says billions of naira spent by the federal and state governments on the military offensives against bandits is enough to address the bandits demands and achieve lasting peace.
He said the money could be used to provide basic amenities, training them and providing them with the needed capital for business.
Gumi said this when he spoke to journalists one continuation of his five-day visit to bandits’ and Fulani settlements in Zamfara State
The cleric said during his visit to the Governor of Zamfara state, Bello Matawalle, after visiting Zamfara to appeal to bandits to lay down their arms and embrace peace, that the only option to finding lasting solution to banditry is dialogue, education empowerment of those that are in the act.
Gumi, who toured the forest near Daki Takwas said most of the Fulani had lost all their possessions as a result of cattle rustling and instances of extortion by some corrupt security agents.
He said he would be in constant touch with the Zamfara state government to ensure that there was no breach of the agreement from either side.
