A Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has decried the Federal Government’s use of force in the fight against what he called a typical insurgency in the North.

Gummi, who spoke in continuation of his five-day visit to bandits’ and Fulani settlements in Zamfara State, said the huge financial resources spent in the fight against insecurity in the region could have been used to address the needs of armed Fulani.

“Such billions would be more than enough if judiciously used to address all the demands of the armed Fulani, including providing them with basic amenities, training them and providing them with the needed capital,” he added.

He said most of the Fulani had lost all their possessions as a result of cattle rustling and instances of extortion by some corrupt security agents.

Gumi, who toured the forest near Daki Takwas, called on the Fulanis to lay down their arms and avoid bloodshed.

He assured them that Governor Bello Matawalle was sincerely committed and would address their grievances.

Gumi also promised that he would do everything within his might to convey their concerns and demands to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Speaking further, he stated that he would be in constant touch with the Zamfara State Government to ensure that there was no breach of the agreement from either side.

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Before embarking on his tour of the forest, Gumi and his team paid homage to the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, at his palace in the state capital, where he told the emir some of the grievances of the armed Fulani, including periodic attacks on them.

ECOWAS Court to deliver judgment in SERAP suit on April 22

Meanwhile, the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Abuja will on April 22 deliver judgment in the suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project against the Federal Government over violence allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen across the country.

According to a statement by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the court heard arguments in the case seeking “justice and accountability for the authorities’ failure to prevent, account for and investigate killings, raping, maiming of Nigerians and other residents, and destruction of property across the country by herdsmen and other unknown perpetrators.”

The court was reported to have adjourned the suit to April 22, 2021 for judgment after hearing arguments from solicitor to SERAP, Femi Falana (SAN); and the government’s lawyer, Mr Adedayo Ogundele.