Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi warns Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to be more measured in his public statements after the governor addressed Fulani leaders over insecurity issues. In a Facebook post on Saturday, Gumi cautions that political leaders should carefully choose their words, saying verbose or inflammatory comments can undermine peaceful coexistence in Nigeria’s multi-religious society.
The warning follows Bago’s recent address in which he urged Fulani leaders to persuade their children alleged to be involved in kidnapping and banditry to stop the activities and return home. Bago also said that continued silence by community leaders over the activities of kidnappers and bandits is contributing to public distrust and resentment toward the Fulani community.
In the same address, Bago called on Fulani leaders to identify criminal elements in their communities and work with security agencies to reduce insecurity. He further directed traditional rulers to monitor religious preaching within their domains and ordered the arrest of individuals who use sermons to incite division among Muslims or between Muslims and Christians, while also warning vigilantes against taking law into their own hands.
