By SULAIMAN FASASI, Abeokuta

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun Joint Campus Committee (JCC), has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, over his recent involvement in peace talks with bandits.

The students’ body expressed dissatisfaction on how the Federal government is treating Gumi like a Messiah when, according to it, he should be treated like a criminal who promotes banditry in the country.

The body in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Kehinde Damilola Simeon, accused Gumi of justifying armed bandits and other associated criminality in Northern part of the country.

The Kaduna-based Islamic cleric has been meeting with bandits in forests across Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina and Niger States.

He was also quoted to have alleged that non-Muslim soldiers had carried out orchestrated killings in some communities, precipitating anger.

But the NANS chairman expressed fear that Gumi’s recent comments and attitude could embolden the bandits and further jeopardise the peace and unity of the country.

He accused Gumi of exposing the military and Nigerians to further attacks by bandits with his unguarded statements.

The student body called on prominent Nigerians, groups and organisations to condemn Gumi’s dangerous claims, “in order not to give the impression that he was speaking for the region”.

NANS also called on the military and other law enforcement agents to go after the Islamic cleric and investigate him for his association with criminals and enemies of the State.

“We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately order the arrest of Gumi for his alleged support and association with armed bandits.

“Gumi’s act portend a dangerous trend and lay a bad precedent for the country.

“We warn that comments such as this have the potential of pitting the exposed soldiers against the North, where they have continued to put down their lives to protect the territorial integrity of the nation from those that seek to violate it.

Our concern is further hinged on the possibility of the world concluding that the North may be offering tacit endorsement to banditry and associated crimes against society.

“In whatever position we find ourselves, we must, at all material times, endeavour to put the collective interest of Nigeria over and above all other considerations, bearing in mind the fact that when the country collapses, it will do so on all of us, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or belief.

“Gumi should be treated as criminal and not as a Messiah. His acts have further exposed the military and the entire country to further attacks by marauding bandits.” (Saturday Independent)

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