Sheikh Gumi Calls for Coexistence with Herdsmen, Insists They Are “Here to Stay”

Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has asserted that herding communities are a permanent fixture in Nigeria and called on the public to accept them as an integral part of society. He argued that coexistence with herders is unavoidable and must be pursued through understanding rather than confrontation.

“Herdsmen are going nowhere. They are part of us, and we are part of them. We must learn to live together,” Gumi stated.

The cleric cautioned against viewing herders as adversaries, stressing that efforts to exclude or isolate them are unrealistic. He urged Nigerians to focus on peaceful integration and avoid hostile rhetoric.

Gumi’s comments have sparked considerable debate, coming at a time when violence and displacement linked to herder-related conflicts continue in several regions. Many critics argue that the priority should be accountability, law enforcement, and protecting vulnerable communities, rather than calls for coexistence without clear mechanisms for justice and security.