...Turji claims, “We openly say that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,”
SOKOTO, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has alleged that two former northern governors were instrumental in fueling insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the North.
Turji disclosed that he participated in several peace meetings with the Zamfara State Government during the tenure of a former governor but strongly refuted claims that he received N30 million or any form of inducement to take part in the process.
Attempts to obtain reactions from the two former governors were unsuccessful as of press time yesterday. Calls placed to their phones were neither answered nor returned, while text messages and WhatsApp messages sent to them also went unanswered.
However, sources close to the former governors dismissed Turji’s claims, insisting that statements made by a terrorist should not be taken seriously. One source questioned why anyone would give credibility to the words of a bandit, suggesting Turji was merely attempting to portray himself as a victim. Another source described the allegations as outright lies, stressing that someone with a history of killings should not be believed.
The Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation also declined to comment on the matter.
In a viral video that surfaced yesterday, Turji accused past political leadership in Zamfara and Sokoto states of laying the groundwork for the region’s prolonged insecurity. He alleged that former administrations armed vigilante groups, known as ‘Yan Banga,’ whom he claimed targeted Fulani communities disproportionately, thereby escalating violence.
The bandit leader specifically named former governors of Sokoto and Zamfara states, calling for their arrest and investigation over what he described as their roles in the crisis. “We openly say that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” Turji claimed.
He sought to distance himself from political influence, insisting that he was not acting on behalf of any politician or interest group. “We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians. There is no human being backing us,” he said.
Although Turji did not respond to reports of any recent negotiations with the federal government, he framed his comments as a personal defence, stating that he was speaking “before Allah alone.”
Despite his claims, Nigerian security agencies have repeatedly identified Turji as one of the most dangerous armed group leaders operating in the North-West, and the military has previously declared him wanted for terror-related offences.
Turji’s comments came amid accusations by a former peace negotiator, Musa Kamarawa, who was engaged by both Zamfara and Sokoto state governments to facilitate non-kinetic engagements with bandit leaders. Kamarawa had alleged that Turji collected N30 million during peace talks held at the Government House in Gusau.
In response, Turji dismissed the allegation as false, maintaining that while peace meetings took place, neither he nor any Fulani leader acting on his behalf received money or vehicles. “By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira. What I am doing is not for personal gain. We were never given the N30 million you are talking about,” he said.
According to Turji, the meetings were solely aimed at reducing violence and restoring peace. He accused Kamarawa of betraying the trust established during the negotiations and spreading false and malicious claims. “When the Zamfara State government appointed you, we agreed on peace. But what you are saying now is full of lies and deceit. I did not even receive three million naira,” he added.
Meanwhile, security operatives have killed a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Na’Allah, during a joint operation in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State. A security source confirmed that Na’Allah was shot dead on Friday during an interception between Girnashe and Kuka Tara villages in Tsabre Ward.
The operation was carried out by a joint team of Mobile Police officers and community guard operatives, with support from the Nigerian Army. Na’Allah was identified as a cousin of another feared bandit leader, Ibrahim Chimmo, who is believed to be operating within the Sububu Forest axis.
The source described the operation as a major breakthrough in dismantling bandit leadership structures in Sokoto State.
The development followed the recent killing of another notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Kallamu, by troops of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area.
Commending the efforts of security agencies, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Colonel Ahmad Usman, praised the Nigerian Army and other forces for their sustained successes in the ongoing fight against banditry in the state.
