Renowned Islamic Cleric, Sheikh (Dr.) Abubakar Ahmad Gumi has disclosed that the raging insecurity in the country can be checked, if education opportunities are provided for Fulani herdsmen in the grassroots.
Gumi expressed this while fielding questions from newsmen when he embarked on an inspection visit of the Sheikh Uthman Bin Fodio Centre at Kagarko Grazing Reserve Kohoto Village, donated by Sultan Bello Mosque Foundation on Sunday November 14.
Sheikh Gumi said that he was motivated to start the project to stop the insecurity from the roots and they found out that education is the best approach.
"This is an example to the three tiers of govt, corporate orgs and individuals.
Instead of spending billions on hardware, spend it on schools. I have spoken to lots of them, they have agreed to lay down their weapons and embrace education," he stressed.
Speaking further, he explained that the centre contains six classrooms, which would be engaged for 24 hours daily.
"The herdsmen takes cattle for reading in the morning, comes back and studies in the evening.
"Before then, we would run primary and secondary schools at intervals.
"We have hospital also at the centre as well as an economic booster on showing them how to use folliage to feed their animals.
"If we can replicate this everywhere, Nigeria will be in peace," he submitted.
Reacting on question on if truly he said declaring bandits terrorists would end NIgeria, he said that he was quoted out of context.
"I didn't say there would be no NIgeria, I was quoted out of context. If we allow the herdsmen turn into religious fanatics there will be trouble.
Ninety-nine per cent of herdsmen are not involved in banditry. If you say herdsmen are terrorists, Nigeria will have problems all over. What will remain of Nigeria if everywhere is in flames?" He queried
In his speech to the community earlier during the visit, Dr. Gumi said that though the construction project of the centre is still ongoing, they call on the three tiers of government to come in and partner on training the herdsmen on how they can be economically viable.
He said they will take teachers from there to Kaduna to train them so that they will come back and impart in the students.
"The teachers will also teach you life skills for survival. They will also give religious education.
"The more you get educated, some of you can become doctors, soldiers and other professions," he admonished.
He thanked the press corps that accompanied him to the forest.
"To the press that took the risk of coming into the deep forest with us on this visit, we are grateful.
"I am glad that you have seen that the people here are peaceful and law abiding. You heard the testimony of Luka Mai Ungwar that the people here are peaceful.
"We want Nigerians to know that the herdsman is the most peaceful.
"For those that have used banditry and criminality to express their grievances, we want them to know that there is another way.
"We call on the three tiers of government, corporate organisations and public spirited individuals to support in bringing development to the grassroots," he appealed.
Fulani Chief of the community, Ardo Ahmed Tahiru in his remarks, said that they are excited about the project.
They prayed for God to bless Sheikh Gumi for the gesture.
Also speaking, Imam Tafa Dahiru said that the project has united the community and they are all full of joy.
He also prayed for God to bless him and open more doors of opportunities for him to do more.
He advised all of them to be united to make more progress. He said the unity they are exhibiting is bringing more development to the community.
In his remarks, a Christian cleric in the community, Luka Mai Ungwar commended Sheikh Gumi for the gesture.
He said that he is delighted that their children don't need to travel far before going to school.
On arrival, Sheikh Gumi led his entourage to the Palace of Emir of Kagarko,98-year old Malam Sa'ad Abubakar were they received Royal blessings.
It was reliably gathered by our correspondent that the multi-million Naira centre is being solely funded by Sheikh Gumi, while the land on which it is being constructed was donated by the Emir of Kagarko.
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