Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has said that Nigerians must learn to live with Fulani herdsmen, insisting that they are an integral part of the country.

Gumi made the remarks in a video shared on X, where he stated that the herdsmen belong to Nigeria and would not be driven away.

He stressed that no group could force them out, just as they could not drive others away, noting that they are neighbours who should not be regarded as enemies.

According to the cleric, turning Fulani herdsmen into enemies would have grave consequences for the nation, warning that such a move could spell doom for Nigeria.

The retired army officer further argued that the country’s real enemies could exploit the situation, as the herdsmen are familiar with the nation’s inner workings.

“They 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.

“Your real enemy will use your neighbour against you, and nobody knows your secrets more than your neighbour.

“He knows when you return and when you leave. So we should never allow herdsmen to be our enemies,” Gumi said.