Controversial Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on Nigerians to coexist peacefully with Fulani herdsmen, stressing that they are an integral part of the country and its communities.
In a video posted on X, Gumi stated that attempts to drive the herdsmen away or treat them as enemies could have serious consequences for national stability. He described the herdsmen as neighbors who cannot simply be removed, and emphasized the importance of mutual respect and understanding.
“They are going nowhere. They are part of us, and we are part of them. We must learn to live together and should never become enemies with them,” Gumi said.
The retired army officer warned that the real enemies of Nigeria could exploit any conflict between citizens and Fulani herdsmen. “Your real enemy will use your neighbor against you, and nobody knows your secrets more than your neighbor. He knows when you come back and when you go out. So we should never allow herdsmen to be our enemies,” he added.
Gumi urged Nigerians to recognize the strategic and social importance of maintaining peaceful relations with the Fulani. He highlighted that creating animosity could not only worsen security challenges but also provide opportunities for insurgents or criminal elements to destabilize the country.
The cleric’s statement comes amid ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders in various parts of Nigeria, which have sparked debates over land use, security, and coexistence. Gumi’s remarks emphasize dialogue, tolerance, and the need to find solutions that protect communities while ensuring national cohesion.
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