PRESS STATEMENT FROM OTUNBA ABDULFALIL ABAYOMI ODUNOWO THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, ASIWAJU AHMED TINUBU SUPPORT GROUP (AATSG)
RE: Comments by Sheikh Ahmad Gumi on Terrorism, Banditry and the Nigerian State
**Date: May 22, 2025**
The Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group (AATSG) takes this opportunity to address a deeply concerning narrative propagated by Sheikh Ahmed Gumi regarding the crisis of armed banditry in Nigeria. In his recent statements, he has classified this heinous crime as a “tribal war,” implying that it stems from ethnic disputes. We must unequivocally reject this misleading comparison. By framing banditry through a tribal lens, we risk trivializing the severity of this violence and sidestepping a fundamental truth: these acts are the result of organized criminal networks that seek nothing more than chaos for profit.
Banditry is not an ethnic or tribal conflict; it is a threat to the very fabric of our society. Innocent citizens irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds suffer under the tyranny of kidnappers and armed assailants who prey on vulnerability. To rationalize these brutal acts under any semblance of tribal justification is to strip away the focus from the urgent need for justice and security.
Furthermore, Gumi’s insinuation that the Federal Government has taken sides in this crisis dangerously undermines the legitimacy of the state’s response to criminality. There should be no question about the government’s commitment to upholding the law and protecting its citizens. It is imperative to highlight that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration champions a Nigeria where justice prevails and where all citizens regardless of tribe, religion, or geography are afforded equal protection under the law.
Our nation is grappling with unprecedented challenges, and the delicate situation demands clear, decisive action against lawlessness. Equating the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling banditry with favoritism is a disservice to the thousands of Nigerians who have endured immense suffering. This mindset emboldens the perpetrators of crime and sends a dangerous message that violence can be justified through the guise of ethnicity.
Unlike the situation in the Niger Delta, characterized by a historically rooted struggle against environmental degradation and economic disenfranchisement, the banditry in our northern regions is consumed by pure criminality. The Niger Delta militants presented grievances that were systemic and required structured intervention such as the amnesty program designed for disarmament and rehabilitation. In contrast, the bandits represent a fragmented social menace, necessitating an unwavering military and policy response.
It is crucial to draw a line: any discussions of amnesty must first recognize the rule of law, prioritize community engagement, and serve justice to those who have suffered. Granting covert allowances to armed groups compromises our sovereignty and sows further seeds of discord among our people.
The AATSG stands behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to restore trust, promote community cohesion, and establish an environment of law and order. We urge all public figures especially religious leaders and tribal chiefs to exercise caution in their declarations. Misinformation can act as a catalyst for division in a country that is in dire need of harmony and unity.
The path we tread is one of rebuilding trust a fragile yet essential endeavor that calls for collective responsibility. Words wield power, and statements that can incite hatred or justify violent behavior must be approached with the utmost care.
The AATSG remains dedicated to advocating for policies that not only protect our citizens but also restore the dignity that every Nigerian deserves. Together, we can forge a stronger, unified Nigeria one where peace prevails, justice is served, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
**Signed,**
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
