The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has backed plans by Kaduna-based Muslim cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, to dialogue with bandits who abducted about 287 schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
NEF stated that Gumi may be able to secure their freedom and prevent future abduction.
Insecurity has continued to rise in the Northern region, specifically in Kaduna and Borno states, in recent times.
Insurgents abducted 200 internally displaced women in Borno and 287 pupils and teachers from the two schools in Kaduna in less than 24 hours.
According to reports, the terrorists invaded Kuriga and shot at their targets before whisking away the pupils and teachers from the schools.
In n effort to secure their release, Gumi urged President Bola Tinubu to give him the permission to negotiate with the bandits.
Also, he urged Tinubu not to repeat the mistake made by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who ignored dialogue.
But the Federal Government said it would not pay “a dime” as a ransom for the release of school children, and added that they would be “brought back to safety”.
While talking to with PUNCH, NEF’s Spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said Gumi should be backed “to bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Kaduna”.
According to Suleiman, having a dialogue with bandits did not mean “condoning their actions or granting them impunity.” He added that it was a strategic move to “de-escalate” the situation and save the victims.
He said: “While some may question the legitimacy of negotiating with criminals, it is important to consider the potential benefits of engaging in dialogue. In conflict resolution, dialogue is often seen as crucial to finding peaceful solutions.
“By engaging with the bandits, Gumi may be able to understand their grievances and motivations, which could potentially lead to the safe release of the abducted children. Additionally, opening lines of communication with the bandits could pave the way for addressing underlying issues such as poverty, lack of education, and marginalisation that contribute to the cycle of violence.”
He added: “Moreover, pursuing a dialogue with the bandits does not necessarily mean condoning their actions or granting them impunity. It is a strategic move to de-escalate the situation and protect the lives of innocent victims.
“By initiating talks, Gumi may be able to secure the release of the schoolchildren and potentially prevent future abductions. While dialogue with bandits may seem controversial, it can be a necessary step in resolving conflicts and ensuring the safety of hostages; Gumi’s intention to engage in dialogue should be supported as a means to bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Kaduna.”
