Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has reignited debate by making a strong call for Nigerians to learn to coexist with Fulani pastoralists, arguing that attempts to alienate them could have catastrophic consequences for the nation's security.
In a video posted on social media platform X, the former military officer declared that Fulani herdsmen are an inseparable part of Nigeria's social fabric. "They are going nowhere. They are part of us, and we are part of them," Gumi stated. He emphasized that they should be seen as neighbors, not enemies, warning that turning them into adversaries would be a grave strategic error.
A Strategic Warning: "Your Real Enemy Will Use Your Neighbor"
Gumi framed his argument in stark security terms, suggesting that external threats could exploit internal divisions. "Your real enemy will use your neighbour against you, and nobody knows your secret more than your neighbor," he cautioned. He elaborated that pastoralists, with their deep knowledge of local terrain and communities, could become potent instruments for Nigeria's adversaries if pushed into enmity.
The cleric's comments come amidst a long-standing and often violent national conflict involving nomadic herders and settled farming communities across Nigeria's Middle Belt and southern regions. Clashes frequently revolve around competition for land and water, cattle rustling, and reprisal attacks, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
Context and Controversy
Gumi, known for his role as a mediator with bandit groups in the north, has consistently advocated for dialogue and amnesty over military confrontation. This latest statement aligns with his broader narrative that many security challenges stem from socio-economic grievances and marginalization, which he believes can be resolved through negotiation and integration rather than force.
His remarks are likely to provoke strong reactions from groups and communities that have suffered from attacks attributed to herders, who may view the call for coexistence as dismissive of their plight. Critics often argue that the issue is one of criminality and a failure of governance to enforce laws and protect citizens, not merely a need for social harmony.
By urging Nigerians to "never allow herdsmen to be our enemies," Sheikh Gumi places the onus on national unity as the primary defense against deeper instability, positioning the pastoralist question as a pivotal national security concern rather than just a regional conflict.
0 Comments