Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has urged the Federal Government (FG) to prioritize addressing terrorists over focusing on support for victims.
He stressed that stopping the source of violence is the most effective way to curb the country’s worsening security crisis.
Speaking on Tuesday, Gumi likened the situation to a medical emergency, where the immediate priority is to stop further harm rather than treating those already injured.
“When you have an emergency, you can only be concerned about stopping the bleeding, not even the fracture, maintaining the cardiovascular potency.
“I am so much concerned about those who are injuring people.
“Imagine a mad man in the market in the night who has stabbed so many people, my approach is to get that knife from the man, not the people who are injured,” he said.
He emphasized that his focus on perpetrators does not diminish concern for victims.
Existing government agencies, he noted, have the capacity to care for those affected.
“I am not an authority and I cannot take care of everybody.
“My concern is that blood should stop flowing,” Gumi said.
The cleric highlighted the importance of rehabilitation and dialogue with armed groups as a long-term solution to terrorism.
He suggested that many offenders are known to their communities and can be redirected through psychological and social engagement programs.
Gumi also pointed to political challenges that hinder the implementation of his approach, despite recognition of its potential effectiveness by the government.
“I have seen this firsthand, this is what will work and government and people have understood that but I think for political reason, they cannot come together and implement it,” he stated.
Comparing the crisis to an untreated illness, Gumi stressed the need to address root causes such as poverty, neglect, and cycles of revenge.
He has repeatedly advocated negotiation, rehabilitation and reintegration programs for terrorists, arguing that military action alone cannot achieve lasting peace.
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