Eliminating repentant bandits, secessionists against religious, international law – Sheikh Gumi

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has criticised calls for the killing of repentant insurgents and secessionists, saying such actions are contrary to religious teachings and international law.

Gumi made the remarks in a Facebook post on Friday, days after lawmakers urged the Federal Government to end the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists and instead prosecute individuals found guilty of terrorism and related offences.

According to the cleric, killing repentant insurgents, secessionists or prisoners of war is morally wrong and violates both religious and international legal principles.

He also warned that the International Criminal Court, ICC, is observing such actions, urging those involved to consider both legal and religious consequences.

Gumi argued that adopting the same approach as terrorist groups by killing perceived enemies undermines morality and does not contribute to winning conflicts.

He maintained that emotions should not dictate decisions in the fight against insecurity.

Gumi said: “Killing repentant Insurgents and secessionists is against religious and international law. So also prisoners of war. ICC is listening if you don’t fear Allah. Where is morality? It’s the same logic terrorists employ to kill all others besides them. Emotions don’t win a war.”

The Senate had, during plenary on Tuesday, resolved that persons found culpable in terrorism and other organised criminal offences should face immediate prosecution rather than rehabilitation, insisting that justice must be seen to be done to restore public confidence in the country’s criminal justice system.

The resolution was adopted as part of measures aimed at addressing the worsening security situation across Nigeria.