The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has backed Sheik Ahmad Gumi’s negotiations with bandits and the request to grant them blanket amnesty.
The Chairman of the state chapter of the association, Mathias Echioda, made this known on Sunday while speaking to Voice of Nigeria (VON).
Echioda said the association has thrown its weight behind the prominent Islamic cleric as far as bringing lasting solutions to insecurity is concerned.
He urged traditional and other religious leaders to support Gumi’s efforts at bringing peace to the North West region of the country.
The Niger CAN chairman noted that dialoguing with bandits will curb the killings, kidnapping, and other criminal activities of the bandits in the region.
He said, “We’ve identified, support Sheik Gumi’s mission. We are on the same page with him as far as bringing lasting solutions to insecurity is concerned.”
While praying for the safe release of other kidnapped victims following the successful release of the NSTA bus passengers, Echioda further appealed for people’s support of the government’s effort to improve the security of lives and properties.
He added, “We also pray that God will touch the armed bandits. So they can have a change of mind, lay down their arms, and be safely integrated into the society so that we can all have peace and progress in Niger State and Nigeria in general.”
The CAN leader also urged all leaders in the state to use the fear of God in exercising their duties.