Kaduna based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has visited the Tegina forest which linked parts of Kaduna and Niger states through Birnin Gwari.
He had earlier visited the state governor Abubakar Sani Bello in Minna, the Niger State capital where he informed the governor of his mission.
In Tegina, Dr Gumi and his entourage met with the bandits’ leader known as Dogo Gide, where he preached to them on the importance of negotiation and the prohibition of fighting in the month of Rajab.
He also warned them against spreading mischief and shedding blood on earth before sharing some religious books to the bandits. Many armed bandits attended the meeting with Sheikh Gumi.
In his remarks, Dogo Gide said this is the first time such talks of negotiation will be discussed with him, adding that he is open to it.
He also told Dr Ahmad Gumi their demands which, when met by the authorities, will make them to release all the kidnapped people they are holding.
Though the bandits did not allow a video recording of the talks, they agreed to an audio recording.
On the entourage of Dr Gumi were the Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Adam, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Professor Usman Yusuf, Desert Herald publisher Mal. Tukur Mamu, among others.
