Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has laid out specific conditions for restoring peace in Zamfara State, Nigeria.
Seated on a brand-new motorcycle and visibly armed, Turji demanded that security forces and vigilante groups cease their attacks on Fulanis in the state and other areas. He claims these actions exacerbate the ongoing conflict and violence.
Turji accused both the current Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, of politicizing the state's insecurity issues. According to Turji, "Governor Dauda Lawal and Bello Matawalle labelling each other as terrorists (sponsors) will not help. I want the people of Zamfara to understand that they are just politicians without the interest of the people of Zamfara in their hearts."
He further criticized the governors' blame game as political maneuvering that overlooks the welfare of the local people. Turji emphasized that the armed conflict in Zamfara predates both governors, tracing it back to former governor Ahmed Yerima's tenure. "It was during the administration of Yerima that the government sold out the grazing reserve and legalized the killing of the Fulanis," he said.
Turji also confirmed the killing of Halilu Sububu, whom he described as his master, stating that the killing only emboldened the younger generation among them to continue their deadly attacks. "Kachallah Halilu Sububu is not the first person to be killed; several others were killed. The killing of Halilu Sububu will not deter us from doing what we are doing unless you stop killing our brothers in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Niger states," he added.
Calling for collaboration to end the bloodshed, Turji stated, "This is why we are calling on all of you to come and collaborate with us for peace to reign and stop the bloodbath in Zamfara. Gun and airstrike will not stop us because we are not afraid of death."
Comments