Bello Turji, a well-known bandits leader in Zamfara

Bello Turji, a well-known band!ts leader in Zamfara, shared his story in his first media interview. He explained the factors that led him to take up arms and his current desire for peace.

Turji confirmed he wrote an open letter to the emir, governor, and former President Buhari. He was motivated by the tragic loss of innocent lives and the way Nigeria’s security issues have become politicized. He highlighted that both the Fulani and Hausa communities have faced violence, accusing the authorities of neglecting these crimes and allowing discrimination in citizen protection.

He mentioned that previous peace talks failed because the government did not fulfill its promises. Some of his followers had laid down their weapons but returned to violence after feeling betrayed. Turji stressed that he now seeks equal treatment for all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic background.

He pointed fingers at the Yan Sakai vigilante group, which was allowed to operate despite its violent actions. Turji recounted how these vigilantes killed openly and took cattle from his family, resulting in the deaths of six of his siblings and his uncle. These traumatic events made life unbearable for him and drove him into banditry.

In closing, Turji called on the authorities to uphold their peace agreements and ensure fair treatment for all citizens to break the cycle of violence.