Bandit leader Bello Turji calls for dialogue, accuses politicians of exploiting insecurity

Under increasing pressure from military operations and the loss of many of his fighters, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has called for dialogue with the federal government to end armed banditry in Zamfara State.

In a video shared on social media, Turji expressed his willingness to lay down arms and halt his violent activities if the government is open to negotiations.

Turji accused Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of politicizing the state’s security crisis. He suggested that peace could return if security forces and vigilantes stopped targeting Fulani communities.

Speaking in Hausa, Turji, sitting on a motorcycle with rifles at his side, criticized the politicians, stating: “Governor Dauda Lawal and Bello Matawalle will not help. I want the people of Zamfara to understand that they are just politicians without the interest of the people in their hearts.”

Turji also referenced past governors, denying any external support except from God.

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He claimed that policies dating back to Governor Yerima’s administration had worsened tensions by selling grazing reserves and legalizing the killing of Fulanis, while subsequent leaders had failed to resolve the issue.

Despite his call for peace, Turji reiterated that he and his fighters are not afraid of death, noting that military operations, including the killing of bandit leaders like his mentor Halilu Sububu, have not deterred younger fighters.

“Your only plan is to exterminate the Fulani race while God has been protecting us,” he said, adding that killing them would not end the conflict unless the violence against their communities stops.

It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to Turji’s call for dialogue, given his history of violence, including the murder of dozens of innocent civilians and the financial gains he has made through kidnappings.