Renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheik Abubakar Gumi, has said those who instigated civil war where millions of people were killed were pardoned why not do the same to bandits.
He also said bandits must be forgiven if Nigeria is serious about ending the wave of violence across the country.
Sheikh Gumi, who has been on peace-seeking mission to the strongholds of bandits, said the government pardoned those who instigated the civil war that led to the deaths of millions of people, wondering why bandits cannot be pardoned.
“I see no reason why we can not accept their (bandits) repentance and give them amnesty. You ask why do we give them amnesty but they told us specifically that they are ready to drop their arms and they don’t want to be pursued with legal actions after they repented.
“If the country could pardon coup plotters who committed treasonable offences in the era of military administration, the bandits can as well enjoy similar forgiveness even better under democratic rule.”
He made this known while expressing his reservation over the statement made against him by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The Islamic scholar said he was misunderstood by CAN because the video that went viral about his discussion with the bandits was distorted and the actual message was manipulated.
