Turji, the wanted bandit leader, speaks out from his hideout, declaring that he is not afraid of death. Read his full statement and what it means for ongoing efforts to capture him.
Notorious bandit leader on the run, Bello Turji, has openly challenged security forces, claiming he is not afraid of being killed.
Turji, in a bold statement, called for negotiations with the government to end the ongoing violence in Zamfara state.
In a recently released five-minute 40-second video, Turji, one of 43 terrorists wanted by the Defence Headquarters in the North-West, confirmed the death of his leader, Halilu Sububu. He stressed that Sububu’s death will not silence him or his cause.
Turji agreed to lay down his arms if the government agrees to dialogue. “Those sadists who claimed we would be killed, I am sure we will not remain in this world forever. We are ready to be killed at any time.”
Read Also: Turji Issues Peace Terms for Zamfara, Accuses Gov of Insecurity Politics
Looking back at the historical conflict, he continued: “The killings did not start today. People have been killed since the time of the Prophet. We do not fear death. We are not afraid of bombs.”
Turji addressed the people of Zamfara, saying, “If you stop killing our relatives, we will let your relatives live.” He also criticized local politicians, claiming that they are in the interest of the people. The people of Zamfara were not serious.
“Governors Dauda Lawal and Bello Matawalle will not help. “I want the people of Zamfara to understand that they are just politicians who have the welfare of the people of Zamfara at heart,” Turji said, denying financial support from the government.
“We have no one to support us except God.”
Turuji also accused the previous administration of fuelling the conflict, particularly pointing to the time of former Governor Yerima, which he said led to the sale of grazing reserves to the Fulani and justified violence.
Despite the assassination of his leader, Tulji remains undeterred and declares that the only path to peace is cooperation and dialogue: “The murder of Halilu Sububu will not stop us unless you stop killing our fellow countrymen in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Niger States.”
He warns that force alone cannot solve the situation, concluding his message by declaring: “Their only plan is to annihilate the Fulani while God protects us. Even if you kill us, it is God who ordered it, but it is not in your power.”
