The government of Zamfara, has said that Bello Turji, the bloodiest of the bandit kingpins in the state’s forest, has turned a new leaf and now advocate of peace.
Deputy Governor, Hassan Nasiha said this in Gusau on Sunday, adding that Tunji actioned the repentance by laying down his arms.
Gov Bello Matawalle vowed he would not contemplate amnesty for bandits again, when the deal was broken in 2020 by some of the bandits who returned to the life they have always known.
But the government offered amnesty again, and it’s confirming the offer works this time.
Nasiha said that Bello’s repentance has resulted in peace in Birnin Magaji, Shinkafi and Zurmi local government areas of the state.
“In the last three months, there has not been any bandits attack at Magami district as a result of the peace initiative with bandits,” Nasiha said at security conference on Sunday.
“Everyone knows the notorious bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji who has operated on that axis.
“The state government through the peace committee entered into a peace deal with the bandits’ leader and he agreed to stop the criminality and to embrace peace
“Turji is now killing unrepentant bandits that unleashes terror on innocent citizens in Shinkafi, Zurmi and Birnin Magaji local government areas,” Nasiha said.
He said that the peace committee set up by Zamfara government met with nine bandits’ groups in their camps at Magami and Dansadau emirates where they raised their concerns
“They said Hausas always attacked and raped their women, killing the Fulani on their way to or returning from markets,” he said.
Nasiha also told the conference that Zamfara had ordered the return of cattle grazing routes, lands, water for livestock and other property seized by Hausas to the herders. He said that the order must be respected by both parties in the conflict to enable the return of law and order in the communities.
