The Nigerian Army has warned controversial Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and other “opinion merchants”, to exercise restraint with their utterances.
A statement signed by Director, Army Public Relations, Mohammed Yerima on Monday said contrary to Gumi’s statements to bandits recently that Christian soldiers were the ones killing the bandits, the Army does not deploy troops along religious or ethnic lines.
“While the Nigerian Army would not want to join issues with the respected Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, it is however important to restate that the Nigerian Army as national institution, does not deploy its troops along ethnic or religious lines.
“Therefore, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and other opinion merchants are please enjoined to exercise restraint not to drag the image and reputation of one of the most reliable national institutions to disrepute,” the Army said.
Recall that Gumi had been captured in a video telling the bandits that soldiers involved in attacks against them were non-Muslims. He also told them that soldiers were divided into Muslims and non-Muslims.
