Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has proposed the training and arming of youths in the South-East to combat the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In an interview with Blueprint, Sheikh Gumi suggested that the most effective way to address terrorism and crises in the south east is by deploying young individuals familiar with the terrain against insurgents.
He cited the examples of Asari Dokubo and Tompolo in the Niger Delta, who were transformed from warlords into protectors of government investments in the creeks and enforcers against unrepentant criminals.
According to him, the use of full military force in regions with high civilian populations often leads to the loss of innocent lives, making it an ineffective strategy.
Instead, he called on states in the North to negotiate with bandits as a pathway to achieving relative peace in the region.
When questioned about the fate of bandits who refuse to lay down their arms despite peace efforts, Sheikh Gumi said: “You see, it is very easy. Just like I mentioned earlier, Tompolo and Mujahid Asari Dokubo are in the creeks, and if anybody tries to misbehave, who deals with them? They handle it easier than the military because when the military comes, they can’t differentiate between the grain and the chaff—they deal with everyone indiscriminately. But these individuals know exactly who is misbehaving and take care of them. Likewise, for IPOB, if you can get very good Igbo youths, train and arm them, they can handle the situation effectively.”
