Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has confirmed his involvement in peace negotiations with the Zamfara State Government during the tenure of former governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle, who now serves as Minister of State for Defence. However, Turji has vehemently denied allegations that he received 30 million or any material rewards during the peace process.
The denial comes in response to claims made by Musa Kamarawa, a former peace facilitator who worked with the governments of Sokoto and Zamfara states to engage with armed groups through non-military approaches. Kamarawa alleged that Matawalle met with Turji at the state Government House in Gusau, where money and vehicles were given to the bandit leader.
In a video response, Turji described the allegations as untrue, stating that neither he nor any Fulani leader representing him received cash or vehicles during the peace meetings. He emphasized that the discussions with government officials focused solely on ending bloodshed and restoring stability in Zamfara State, and that he did not gain financially from the talks.
Turji accused Kamarawa of breaching the confidence established during the negotiations and spreading fabricated claims. He also blamed former political leaders in Zamfara and Sokoto states for contributing to the prolonged insecurity in the region. Specifically, he mentioned former Sokoto State governor Attahiru Bafarawa and former Zamfara State governor Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, calling for their arrest and investigation over their alleged involvement in the crisis.
The bandit leader claimed that previous administrations armed vigilante groups known as ‘Yan Banga,’ which unfairly targeted Fulani communities and worsened the violence. Turji emphasized that his group is not being backed by politicians and is not involved in the crisis for personal gain. The developments highlight the complex nature of the security challenges in the region and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the underlying issues. The allegations and counter-allegations also underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in efforts to resolve the conflict.
