Bello Turji Narrates How Vigilante Made Him Go Into Banditry
Notorious Zamfara state bandit leader, Bello Turji has shared his story in what is to be regarded his first media interview. He narrated factors that pushed him into taking up arms, engaging in banditry, and now, his desire for forgiveness and peace.
Bello Turji in the interview, revealed that he had previously written an open letter to the emir, the state governor, and then late president Muhammadu Buhari who was the president of Nigeria at that time.
According to him, he feel bad over the tragic loss of lives to banditry and the manner the Nigeria’s security apparatus has been politicized, corrupted by greed and other vices.
He accuses the Nigeria’s security forces of unleashing viólence on both the Hausa and Fulani communities in Zamfara state, alleging that the Nigeria’s security forces are discriminatory in the protection of Nigerian citizens.
He stated that peace negotiation he had with the government previously, fell through due to the insincerity of those in government which resulted in their inability to fulfill the terms of the peace deals. He disclosed that in view of the peace deal, some of his followers laid down their weapons and embraced peace; however, when the government reneged on their promises, they had no choice but to return to crime.
Bello Turji thereafter explained that he advocates for equal opportunity for all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnicity or religion.
He highlighted how the Yan Sakai vigilante group which operated in Zamfara state despite allegation of misconduct and unprofessionalism against the members of the vigilante, openly killed some members of his family and took their cattle. He said the viólence resulted in the death of six of his siblings and one of his uncles. According to Bello Turji, the tragic incident became a turning point in his life as it became the major factor that pushed him into banditry.
In his conclusion, Bello Turji appealed to the relevant authorities not to renege on the peace agreement, ensure fair and equal opportunity for all Nigerians as a way to ending violent crimes in the state.
