By Charles Pemu 
KATSINA, NIGERIA – Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has issued a new warning to Nigerian security agencies, urging them not to provoke armed groups in Katsina State. The warning follows a recent peace meeting in the Faskari Local Government Area between residents and a wanted bandit kingpin, Ado Alero, and his armed followers.
In a social media post, Gumi cautioned that any aggressive action against these groups could reignite violence. “Some people who don’t want peace, will provoke them again by attacking them,” he wrote. Gumi has long been a proponent of dialogue with armed groups, arguing that military force alone cannot solve the security crisis.
The peace meeting, held on Sunday, saw community leaders and residents openly engaging in dialogue with Alero and dozens of armed herders. A video of the gathering shows participants, many openly carrying rifles, discussing the root causes of the conflict.
During the meeting, Alero claimed that the hostilities escalated after a member of his group was arrested by security operatives without explanation. He stated that despite contacting local and state government officials, including the late chairman of Miyetti Allah, his pleas were ignored.
Another participant, Kwashé Garwa, an armed Fulani herder, condemned the stereotyping of the Fulani people as bandits, insisting that criminality exists among all tribes. He argued that the continuous vilification of the Fulani community would prevent lasting peace. “If this stereotyping does not stop, then the killings and kidnappings will also not stop,” he said.
Garwa called for justice for all, urging both the President and state leaders to address the underlying issues. He also questioned why the media only reports on crimes committed by the herders, but not on the violence they face.