Sheikh Gumi Warns Against Renewed Violence In Katsina After Peace Deal With Armed Groups

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Controversial Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has once again intervened in Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, urging security agencies not to provoke armed groups in Katsina State following a fragile peace accord struck in Faskari Local Government Area.

In a Facebook post obtained by SaharaReporters, Gumi cautioned that any renewed military action against the groups could reignite bloodshed in the troubled state.
“Some people who don’t want peace will provoke them again by attacking them. It’s very important to educate them that they are being used, with their ignorance and thirst for vengeance exploited,” he wrote.

His remarks follow a peace meeting held on Sunday in Faskari between residents, local traditional rulers, and a wanted bandit leader, Ado Alero, alongside dozens of armed herders.

During the gathering, Alero admitted that tensions with security operatives escalated after one of his associates was arrested without explanation, despite repeated appeals to both local and state authorities.
“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.

Alero revealed that he had approached the Secretary to the Katsina State Government and the late chairman of Miyetti Allah, but no resolution was reached.
“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 dialogue as unprecedented, Alero said:
“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.”

Also present was Fulani herder Kwashé Garwa, who was filmed with ammunition strapped to his waist. He denounced the blanket labelling of Fulani herders as bandits, stressing that criminality cuts across 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?” he asked.
“You Hausas, who say we are bandits, don’t you also have bandits among you? There are dozens, yet no one stereotypes you with such a name. If this stereotyping does not stop, then the killings and kidnappings will also not stop.”

Garwa further demanded fairness and accountability from both federal and state authorities, warning that peace would remain elusive if security agencies continued to target their communities.
“Until justice is served to everyone, the President should allow justice to take its course, and at the state level, leaders should also do the needful. There will be no peace if security agencies do not also stop killing our people,” he declared.