Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged Nigerians to seek peaceful coexistence with herdsmen, warning that turning them into enemies could worsen the country’s security challenges.
He made this known in a video that is currently making the rounds on various social media platforms.
Gumi notes Herdsmen are part of the populace
Gumi stated that herdsmen are an integral part of Nigerian society and should be regarded as neighbours rather than adversaries.
He cautioned that hostility toward them could be exploited by “real enemies” to further destabilise communities.
Sheikh Gumi warns of implications of turning Herdsmen to enemies
According to the cleric, unresolved tensions between communities and herders risk being manipulated by external or internal actors who thrive on conflict.
He emphasized that learning to live together peacefully is crucial to preventing insecurity and protecting national unity.
His words in part …
“Herdsmen are going nowhere. They are part of us, and we are part of them. We must learn to live together. They’re our neighbours so we should never allow them be our enemies and if by any mistake by our actions we turn them into enemies then we’re finished. Because our real enemies will use them against us. Because your real enemies will use your neighbours against you.”
Watch the video below …
“Herdsmen are going nowhere. They are part of us, and we are part of them. We must learn to live together and should never become enemies with them.”
— Sheikh Gumi
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 26, 2025