By DESERT HERALD
In continuation of his untiring efforts in promoting peace and security, and to particularly encourage neglected Fulani settlements that embraces peace and renounced violence, Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi through the SHEIKH ABUBAKAR GUMI SULTAN BELLO MOSQUE FOUNDATION has provided succour to a large Fulani settlement that lives in the forest of Sabon Gayan for over 50 years. Sabon Gayan is under Chikun Local Government in Kaduna State.
Rugar Wakili Idi as it is called has a population of over ten thousand people and like many other Fulani settlements without water for both human and animal consumption. In fact, due to the contaminated water they are using over the years there has been rampant outbreaks of water related illnesses that killed many and left more battling with sicknesses.
The settlement was recently evaded by armed Fulani bandits where hundreds of their cows and other animals were rustled away. In addition to the pain and frustrations, soldiers came days after and burnt down virtually all their houses and ordered them to relocate from a settlement they are living peacefully for over 50 years. As a result, some of the frustrated youths vowed to go into banditry as they have lost all their means of livelihood.
When Sheikh Gumi was informed about the sad development last Friday by two elderly women who are among the victims, he visited the settlement the following day and saw the devastation by himself. He addressed the aggrieved Fulani youths and assured them that he will talk to the authorities to allow them to continue to live in the place that has become home for many years. Sheikh Gumi promptly acted by informing the authorities and immediately organised and financed the drilling of a standard borehole in the remote forest. Potable water is the most critical and immediate need at Rugan Wakili Idi and as such the Fulanis couldn’t believe the unexpected gesture by the Foundation under Sheikh Gumi. The move has also doused so much tension from the illiterate, frustrated settlers that are hitherto willing to go into banditry.