December 16, 2021

Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has said that Boko Haram terrorist who kill have a justification for their action as they were out to revenge the killing of Fulani herdsmen by the military.

He, however noted that no criminal activities can be justified, but added that every criminal has a justification for his crimes.

In the case of the terrorists, he said they were out to avenge the killing of their family members by the military through airstrikes.

Gumi spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at a retreat on inclusive security organised by the Global Peace Foundation in collaboration with Vision Africa.

He said: “We all know that bandits initially don’t kill people like that, they kidnap people to get money. So what has metamorphosed and turned them into a Frankenstein monster that is now trying to kill people just like that for the pleasure of it.

“What we need to do is to build homes and schools, giving locals animals to breed, giving them medical attention, planting, engaging the local community.

“This is all that we need to do with the Fulani herdsmen to get them pipe down and drop their weapons. This is all that we need and we don’t need to wait for the government,” he said.

Gumi who does not believe that bandits are terrorists said once their needs are met, the terrorists would drop their weapons and stop the killings in the country.