Renowned Islamic cleric and retired military officer, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has stated that Nigerians must come to terms with the presence of Fulani herdsmen across the country and learn how to coexist peacefully with them. Speaking in a video shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sheikh Gumi emphasized that Fulani herdsmen are an integral part of Nigeria and cannot be forced out of the country. According to him, their presence is permanent, just like that of other ethnic groups residing within the nation’s borders. The cleric explained that attempting to push the herders away would be unrealistic, stressing that no group has the authority to expel another from the country. He noted that Fulani herdsmen are neighbours to many communities and should not be labeled as enemies under any circumstance. Sheikh Gumi warned that turning Fulani herdsmen into adversaries could have severe consequences for national unity and security. He stated that such hostility could open the door for external forces to exploit internal divisions, leading to greater instability within Nigeria. Drawing from his military background, the retired army officer pointed out that neighbours often possess deep knowledge about one another. According to him, people living close to each other understand daily routines, movements, and vulnerabilities, making hostility between neighbours dangerous. He explained that enemies often take advantage of internal conflicts by using familiar faces against a nation. In his view, herdsmen, being familiar with many communities, could easily be manipulated by real enemies if pushed into opposition. Sheikh Gumi reiterated that Fulani herdsmen are inseparable from the Nigerian identity and must be accepted as fellow citizens. He encouraged Nigerians to prioritize dialogue, tolerance, and mutual understanding rather than allowing fear or anger to fuel division. According to him, peaceful coexistence remains the only sustainable solution, as hostility between neighbours could ultimately threaten the stability and future of the country. “They are not going anywhere. They belong to this country just as we all do. We must learn to live together peacefully and avoid seeing them as enemies. If you turn your neighbour into an enemy, your real enemy will use that neighbour against you. No one understands your movements better than those living close to you. That is why herdsmen should never be treated as enemies,” Sheikh Gumi stated.
