Controversial Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to negotiate with bandits, as he expressed willingness to facilitate comprehensive discussions between the both parties, in a bid to secure the release of abducted Nigerians.

The Islamic cleric also urged the present administration not to repeat what he termed “the mistake made by former President Muhammadu Buhari,” who refused to dialogue with bandits.

Gumi was reacting to the refusal of the Kaduna State government to negotiate with the bandits involved in the abduction of 287 school children from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in Chikun Local Government Area.

Recall that bandits had, last week, abducted over 280 students from schools and event places alike.

Reacting, Gumi, in a statement said: “The government’s stand of no negotiation with the bandits is an unfortunate position. My advice is that the government should dialogue with the bandits not only for these Kuriga school children abduction but all the cases.

“Also, the government should use the same approach it used in releasing passengers that were abducted on Abuja – Kaduna train in 2022 to release the Kuriga school children and others.”

He further asserted that he was ready to lead a holistic dialogue between the government and bandits, as he considered the gesteure a religious duty.

“I hope the present government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will listen by dialoguing with the bandits because the past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari refused to do so,” he said.