By Aiyeku Timothy
Sheikh Gumi has reportedly visited Tagina forest where he met with bandits group leader, Dogo Gide, and his fighters on Thursday.
His conversation with the bandits was not recorded as they did not permit him.
Dogo Gide and his group are alleged to have kidnapped some students in Niger State.
His visit to Tagina forest came after kidnappers abducted about 42 persons, including students, staff and their families from the Government Science College Kagara in Niger State on Wednesday.
Multiple reports said gunmen started attacked the school around 2:00 am on Wednesday, beginning with sporadic gunshots. A students was killed during the attack.
However, he disclosed that the kidnapped students would be released soon as talks are being held and negotiations for their release.
Gumi came under intense criticism last week after advocating for amnesty for the criminals carrying out kidnappings and banditry in the different parts of Northern Nigeria.
In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, Gumi indicted the Nigerian military in the violence crimes in the region. He said the bandits he met were willing to lay down their arms but that the military top brass were deliberately escalating the violence.
He said; “Everyone has witnessed it that we negotiated with these people and they promised to drop their weapons and stop these activities, and I even promised to meet the president about the matter. But why will the army bomb their place?”
