• The Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu has been urged to establish a special paramilitary to combat the new terrorist group, the Lakurawa sect, in the North.
• Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic scholar, speaking on the recent expansion of the sect in the northern region
• The cleric said the group’s ideology was not yet known, adding that their recent attack was similar to that of other religious sects in the Sahel region.

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic scholar, has called on the Nigerian government to create a separate paramilitary unit to combat the Lakurawa sect in the North. The request follows the recent expansion of the sect in Niger State, north-central Nigeria, as well as Kaduna State.

Gumi stressed that the group’s ideology is still unclear, but that its activities and recent violence in Kebbi Statewhich left 17 dead, suggest that they are similar to other fanatical religious sects in the Sahel region.

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Gumi attributed the growth of the Lakurawa sect to foreign interference, saying Nigeria’s rich mineral resources and fertile land make it an attractive target for outside powers seeking to exploit its resources. He believes that these foreign powers cause chaos, then allowing them to offer protective services. Gumi also criticized the Nigerian military’s approach to combating terrorism, suggesting that it is not equipped to handle the nuances of fighting bandits.

Gumi’s proposal to Tinubu on terrorism

Instead, Gumi proposed engaging local herdsmen as a fighting force, citing the success of Bangladesh’s paramilitary wings in infiltrating terrorist groups. He also stressed the need to address the root causes of the insurgency, such as illiteracy and economic hardship. Gumi noted that young recruits are often lured into the sect with promises of moneyfood and livestock and that the group receives international support due to the large sums of money it receives.

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Gumi urged the Federal Government create schools similar to the Almajiri Schools established by former President Goodluck Jonathan to address the region’s educational and economic challenges. He also stressed the need to secure the country’s porous borders to avoid further instability. Gumi warned that a new insurgency could destabilize the region and further strain military resources.

Source: Legit.ng