If You Call Herdsmen For Peace They Come With Guns For Many Reasons,Can You Call IPOB For Peace–Gumi

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic scholar, has urged the Nigerian government to prioritise non-violent strategies in addressing the insecurity linked to armed herders in the North.

In a report by Channels Television on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Gumi said a significant number of these armed herdsmen are willing to surrender their weapons if the government engages them through dialogue.

He noted that the herders have consistently expressed a desire for peace and often show up armed during peace meetings for reasons ranging from self-protection to mistrust.

Gumi criticised the authorities for consistently resorting to force, despite evidence that many herders are open to negotiation.

He argued that initiating dialogue with armed herders is far more feasible than attempting similar peace outreach to groups such as IPOB or Boko Haram.

According to him, “The Fulani herdsmen have been asking for peace.

When you invite them, they come with their guns for various reasons. But can you invite IPOB for peace? Can you invite Boko Haram?”