Bandits operating between Tegina in Niger State and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, during their meeting with Sheikh Ahmad Gumi on Thursday at Tegina forest, threatened to deal with Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State.
A top source that spoke with SaharaReporters noted that the bandits disclosed this during a peace meeting with the Islamic cleric.
Recall that Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State said Fulani herdsmen making millions of naira from kidnapping will never repent and leave the forest.
The Kaduna governor pointed out that his administration is at war with bandits and so cannot negotiate with them.
“Anybody that thinks a Fulani man that ventured into kidnapping for ransom, and is earning millions of naira, would go back to his former life of getting N100,000 after selling a cow in a year, must be deceiving himself.”
“Why should they be compensated after killing people, destroying their houses? Who offended them? Ahmad Gumi is my friend and this is what we discussed with him.”
“I told him that the majority of these Fulani bandits don’t believe in religion. Therefore, I don’t believe in what he (Gumi) is doing that they should be forgiven and compensated.”
The leader of the gang of bandits, Dogo Gide, while speaking with Gumi reportedly condemned El-Rufai over his statement.
He further stated that his men are ready to carry out more attacks on communities in Kaduna State.
“He told the delegation led by Sheikh Gumi that he will deal with Governor El-Rufai and nothing will happen. He also said his boys are ready to attack more towns in the state. He said he and his boys are not afraid of death and anybody against their demands will be crushed.”
“Sheikh later begged him and told him that all Northern governors have agreed to meet their demands,” a security operative at the meeting told SaharaReporters.
Gumi’s visit to Tagina forest came after kidnappers abducted about 42 persons, including students, staff members, and some of their family members from the Government Science College, Kagara in Niger State on Wednesday.
A student identified as Benjamin Doma was killed during the attack.