I Am Not A Negotiator For Bandits — Gumi

Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Abubakar Gumi, has
said he is not a negotiator for bandits.

Gumi, who had on several occasions taken message of peace to
bandits in the forests of Kaduna, Zamfara and Niger state, stated
this in Kaduna on Monday while playing host to the 8th Assembly
Senator of Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani.

Sani visited him to seek the cleric’s assistance in the rescue
of the 39 College students and eight members of the Redeemed
Christian Church of God (RCCG) who were kidnapped at the
weekend.

The Sheikh however gave assurance arrangements were ongoing
through a contact to secure release of the students of the Federal
College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Kaduna who were kidnapped
about 20 days ago in their hostel.

Gumi said: “As for the College students, we have done all we can
do. Infact I had a meeting with parents of the kidnapped students
sequel to their meeting with Government.

“I show them what the problem is and they went to visit
government and returned.

“I am not a negotiator for bandits, we always ensured that
government officials were present in our previous discussions with
bandits in the forests, before the Federal Government’s shoot at
sight order.

“But, as for the college students, we are making arrangements
for them through a contact to see how this (students kidnapped)
problems can be solved.

“The case has been referred to someone (name withheld) and he is
doing his best.”

Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Abubakar Gumi, has
said he is not a negotiator for bandits.

Gumi, who had on several occasions taken message of peace to
bandits in the forests of Kaduna, Zamfara and Niger state, stated
this in Kaduna on Monday while playing host to the 8th Assembly
Senator of Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani.

Sani visited him to seek the cleric’s assistance in the rescue
of the 39 College students and eight members of the Redeemed
Christian Church of God (RCCG) who were kidnapped at the
weekend.

The Sheikh however gave assurance arrangements were ongoing
through a contact to secure release of the students of the Federal
College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Kaduna who were kidnapped
about 20 days ago in their hostel.

Gumi said: “As for the College students, we have done all we can
do. Infact I had a meeting with parents of the kidnapped students
sequel to their meeting with Government.

“I show them what the problem is and they went to visit
government and returned.

“I am not a negotiator for bandits, we always ensured that
government officials were present in our previous discussions with
bandits in the forests, before the Federal Government’s shoot at
sight order.

“But, as for the college students, we are making arrangements
for them through a contact to see how this (students kidnapped)
problems can be solved.

“The case has been referred to someone (name withheld) and he is
doing his best.”