Hausa musician praises bandit leader Turji in new song

Mohammed Danshawa, a musician in the northwest plagued by bandits, has released a song singing to high heavens the praises of the most notorious of the gangleaders: Bello Turji.

Danshawa and his back-up singer praised Turji in the 14-minute audio music (Hausa) as the hero of the heroes.

Many who have listened to the audio express different opinions.

While some think it is strange for any right-thinking musician to praise a terrorist like Turji, others believe Danshawa is only deploying a survival strategy—that is seeking protection by fawning on the criminal.

Turji jas held sway in a large swath of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger Republic.

His gang has been responsible for the bloodiest of attacks in the region, including the recent where no fewer than 23 passengers burnt to death in a bus.