Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, terrorising the North-west, has reportedly released 32 kidnapped victims and surrendered some of his weapons in a peace deal.
Premium Times reports that Musa Yusuf, an Islamic cleric, better known as Asadus-Sunnah, announced the development during a religious event in Kaduna State on Monday.
According to the publication, Yusuf referenced that the gesture followed several peace talks last month with Turji and other armed fighters operating inside the Fakai forest in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The Islamic preacher said the dialogue was initiated by residents of Shinkafi who appealed to clerics to persuade Turji to halt attacks and enable farmers access to their lands.
“We met Mr Turji, Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila. The speculation that Dan Bakkolo was killed is not true,” Yusuf said.
“These individuals are responsible for the insecurity in the area, and they all agreed to the peace proposals. We agreed that the Fulanis must be allowed to go to town without being stereotyped or killed by the vigilante.”
According to Yusuf, the terror kingpins surrendered some weapons in three stages and have allowed residents to resume farming in areas previously occupied by fighters.
He added that Turji also freed 32 kidnapped persons as part of the deal and played a video showing the rough terrain the victims crossed on their way out of captivity.
Yusuf said engagements are ongoing with Turji and his group to secure a total end to hostilities, noting that the clerics have been cautious not to demand a complete disarmament.
He explained that doing so could leave Turji exposed to rival factions who are not part of the peace process.
However, TheCable said when Yazid Abubakar, the Zamfara police command spokesperson was contacted over the development, he blatantly said he was “not aware of this development.”
The military also said it has not been briefed on the said partial disarmament by Turji.
