Controversial Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has said there was “no cause for alarm” after he was invited by the security agents on Monday over the nation’s insecurity, especially banditry in the North.

The Kaduna-based cleric said he had a fruitful discussion with Nigerian security agents who invited him over security issues.

Recall that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had on Monday told reporters at the State House, Abuja, that Gumi had been invited by the security agencies.

Reacting to the invitation, Gumi issued a statement on his Facebook page that there was no animosity in the meeting with the security agents, but respect.

“Last night I got many frantic calls from well-wishers and journalists about a news item that I was interviewed by security. There is no cause for alarm,” Gumi wrote.

“Yes, we had a productive interaction on how to curb banditry as we are all trying -each in his sphere – to tackle the monster bedevilling the nation. There was no animosity but courtesy and full of respect.

“We all need as a nation to unite and work in synergy to achieve an everlasting peace. Thank you for your concern. May Allah continue to protect us all from all evil. Amin.”

Gumi has appeared as a controversial personality following his disposition in persuading the federal government to have negotiations with the bandits terrorising the North West of the country.

The scholar had said many times that the government should give amnesty to bandits so that they can drop their arms, as it was done by former President Musa Yar’Adua to the former militants in Niger-Delta.

While Nigerians decried the worsening insecurity in the North in which bandits kidnap women and children for ransom, Gumi said negotiating with bandits is the solution to the problem.