Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has confirmed that peace talks are currently ongoing in Zamfara and other states in the North-west, aimed at ending years of violence.
According to a post by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, on Thursday, Turji, who spoke in Hausa, said the talks are intended to restore harmony between Fulani herders and Hausa farmers, allowing both communities to live without fear of attack or oppression.
The wanted bandit leader stressed that the objective of the peace talks is to create an environment where all residents can resume their normal lives without intimidation.
He said the conflict has disrupted livelihoods for years and that genuine reconciliation is the only way to secure lasting stability in the region. His remarks suggest a willingness to embrace dialogue over armed confrontation, though scepticism remains high among locals.
The bandit leader also launched a scathing attack on Islamic cleric Sheikh Murtala Bello Asada, who recently denied any ongoing negotiations.
In a direct challenge, Turji accused the cleric of making unfounded public statements and dared him to personally lead security forces to arrest him if he truly believed his own claims.
