Ex-Commissioner in trouble with DSS for condemning Sheikh Gumi’s tour of Fulani settlements in Kogi

A former Commissioner for Education in the old Kwara State and a community leader in Okun land in Kogi West Senatorial district, Dr. David Atte, has been invited by Department of State Services, DSS, for questioning after he condemned Sheik Ahmad Gumi’s recent visit to Fulani communities in the area.

Dr. Atte in a statement condemned Dr. Sheikh Gumi’s tour of Fulani settlements in Kogi West given experiences of herdsmen invasion in the past that led to serious casualties.

He cited experiences of Benue, Plateau and Kaduna in hands of.Fulani herders, saying Okun land was not spared in attacks, allaying fears that the Islamic scholar, Sheikh Gumi’s visit to Fulani settlements portend danger.

He told newsmen that he has been invited by the DSS over the statement to appear at their office by 10.00qm on Tuesday, 7th December.

“I have been invited to the DSS State office in Lokoja slated for Tuesday, 7th December 2021 at 10am.

“The DSS has not formally accused or charged me for anything. The issue of my statements about Gumi’s visit to Okunland and our insistence that we need to rise and defend ourselves, came from the grapevine.

He appealed for calm since he has not been accused or charged for anything, adding that he spoke for.Okun people generally as an elderstatesman.

“Since I have not been charged or accused, please let us keep calm and hear what they say. Since I have not spoken for myself but for Okun People, under the direct authority of the Okun Development Association.

He revealed that some eminent personalities will accompany him tomorrow to DSS’s office to witness what will happen.

He lamented killings and destruction of farmlands which wash an issue to government and security agencies, yet Sheikh Gumi would pay a solidarity visit, insisting he did nothing.

“I know I have done nothing personally all my life, to warrant being invited for a chat by the security agencies. It has to concern what Okun People say about their safety and welfare, which I echo.