Controversial Islamic preacher, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has said the declaration of bandits as terrorists “will not change anything”, rather, “it will cause more mayhem”.

In a statement issued on Friday by Malam Tukur Mamu, Gumi’s Media Consultant, the cleric criticised Thursday’s verdict of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which proscribed the activities of some groups linked to banditry.

According to him, “I think the Federal Government has succumbed to media blackmail by a section of the country.

“It will not have any practical value because even before the declaration they are being fought and treated as terrorists.

“It is just a nomenclature which I believe will not change the dynamics on ground.

“If you can remember, IPOB was also declared a terrorist organisation. The declaration was even backed by the order of the Court, but as you can see even the international community did not recognise FG’s declaration on IPOB.

“So it has failed to be effective or to achieve the desired results.

Nigerian Army Eliminate Kidnappers Operating Along Kaduna-Abuja Highway

“They have not been banned from travelling to other countries, while their citizenship remains intact; it has not been denounced. So what type of declaration is that?

“I sincerely hope that Nigerians will not take the herdsmen as terrorists, but should regard the criminality of the few among them against innocent people as acts of terrorism just as we see IPOB and their attacks on security agencies and other northern citizens as acts of terrorism.

“The proscription will cause more mayhem. The declaration will not change anything, it will not change the dynamics. Already the military is engaging them.

“It didn’t stop them from kidnappings and killings. The declaration will not end their aggression against the society.”