Do not cross the boundary”, Asari Dokubo warns as he reveals his plan for bandits

“Do not cross the boundary”, Asari Dokubo warns as he reveals his plan for bandits

Former leader of Niger Delta Militants, Asari Dokubo has appealed to bandits to be wary of the south-south region and Port Harcourt specifically.

He warned that those behind banditry across the country will have him to contend with if they dare infiltrate the south-south region. According to him, while the country is grappling with rising insecurity occasioned by armed bandits’ kidnæpping and kìllings, he is not deterred or worried about the security of the south-south region. He boasted that whoever dared to scuttle the peace and security in the south-south region, will meet his waterloo in his hands.

Asari Dokubo is understood to be referring to Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s defensive stance over armed banditry in the country as well as his constant show of insensitivity to the victims of armed banditry activities in the country.

The Islamic cleric has grown vastly unpopular among Nigerians and before the international community for his views adjudged defensive of armed bandits.

Sheik Gumi had previously mediated peace between the Nigerian authority and bandits in his acclaimed advocacy for their deradicalization and reintegration to the society.

In the face of the rising activities of the bandits aggravating Nigeria’s dire insecurity, there have been calls for full force military action against banditry especially in the northeastern and northwestern regions of Nigeria. However, these calls have severally been dismissed by sheikh Gumi who insinuate that the bandits need amnesty rather than being treated as criminals.

In his recent interview, Sheikh Gumi explained that the plight of the bandits are misconstrued by the media and Nigerians of the southern extract. He stated that the plight of the bandits comprises poor livelihood, lack of basic necessity of life such as water and good homes. He added that those who are indulging in banditry do not have another means of survival and appeals for the government attention on their behalf.

Due to his controversial views on banditry, there have been calls recently for the arrest of Sheikh Gumi for his constant show of sympathy for the bandits , oftentimes downplaying the agony and losses of the victims of banditry.