Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on Nigerians to live peacefully with herdsmen, warning that treating them as enemies could escalate the nation’s security problems.

In a video widely shared on social media, Gumi stressed that herdsmen are an essential part of Nigerian society and should be regarded as neighbours rather than foes. He cautioned that hostility toward them could be exploited by individuals or groups seeking to destabilize communities.

The cleric highlighted that unresolved disputes between herders and local communities could be manipulated by actors who profit from conflict. He urged Nigerians to prioritize harmony, saying that peaceful coexistence is crucial for protecting national unity and preventing insecurity.

He said:
“Herdsmen are going nowhere. They are part of us, and we are part of them. We must learn to live together. They’re our neighbours, so we should never allow them to be our enemies. If we make that mistake, we’re finished, because our real enemies will use them against us.”

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