Bello Turji Accuses Ex-Governors of Creating Insecurity in Zamfara, Sokoto

Bello Turji Accuses Ex-Governors of Creating Insecurity in Zamfara, Sokoto

Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has accused two former northern governors of playing key roles in fueling insecurity in the North, particularly in Zamfara and Sokoto states, while denying claims that he received ₦30 million or any material inducement during past peace negotiations with government officials.

In a viral video that surfaced on Tuesday, Turji alleged that past political leadership in the two states laid the foundation for years of violence by arming vigilante groups known as ‘Yan Banga’, whom he claimed disproportionately targeted Fulani communities, thereby escalating armed conflict in the region.

“We openly say that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” Turji said, calling for their arrest and investigation over alleged roles in the crisis.

Turji confirmed that he participated in a series of peace meetings with the Zamfara State government during the administration of a former governor but dismissed allegations that he collected money or other benefits. He was responding to accusations by Musa Kamarawa, a former peace negotiator appointed by both state governments, who claimed that Turji was paid ₦30 million during talks held at the Government House, Gusau.

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“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira. We were never given the ₦30 million you are talking about,” Turji said, insisting that the discussions were solely aimed at reducing violence and restoring peace.

He further accused Kamarawa of betrayal and peddling falsehoods. “When the Zamfara State government appointed you, we agreed on peace. What you are saying now is full of lies and deceit,” he said.

Turji also sought to distance himself from political influence, stressing 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 stated, adding that he was speaking “before Allah alone.”

Efforts to obtain reactions from the two former governors were unsuccessful as calls, text messages and WhatsApp messages sent to them were neither answered nor returned as of press time. However, sources close to the former governors dismissed Turji’s claims, describing them as unreliable.

“Why would anyone place a premium on the words of a terrorist? He is only trying to present himself as a victim. It is all lies,” one source said, while another added that Turji’s allegations were “entirely false.”

The Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation also declined to comment on the matter.

Despite his claims, Nigerian security agencies have consistently identified Bello Turji as one of the most dangerous armed group leaders operating in the North-West, with the Nigerian military previously declaring him wanted for terror-related activities.

The allegations and counterclaims have once again drawn attention to the controversial non-kinetic approach adopted by some northern states in the past to address banditry, as debates continue over its effectiveness and consequences.

Bello Turji Accuses Ex-Governors of Creating Insecurity in Zamfara, Sokoto