The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has voiced its support for the initiative led by Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a controversial Kaduna-based Muslim cleric, to negotiate with the bandits responsible for the abduction of over 280 school children from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area.
The elders expressed optimism that Gumi’s efforts might lead to the release of the abducted children and prevent future abductions if given the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the bandits.
While the federal government, under Bola Tinubu’s leadership, has firmly stated that it will not pay any ransom for the children’s release and is committed to ensuring their safe return, NEF’s spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, emphasized the importance of supporting Gumi’s endeavor to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Kaduna.
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Suleiman clarified that negotiating with bandits does not equate to condoning their actions or granting them immunity.
Instead, it is a strategic approach to de-escalate the conflict, save lives, and address underlying issues such as poverty, lack of education, and marginalization that contribute to violence.
He emphasized that engaging in dialogue with the bandits could lead to a better understanding of their grievances and motivations, potentially paving the way for the safe release of the abducted children and preventing future incidents.
Suleiman stressed that while controversial, dialogue with bandits could be a necessary step towards conflict resolution and the protection of innocent lives, urging support for Gumi’s efforts towards a peaceful resolution in Kaduna.
