Notorious terrorist commander Bello Turji has reportedly surrendered his arms and released 32 kidnap victims following a peace initiative brokered by Islamic clerics in Zamfara State. This development was disclosed by prominent Islamic scholar Musa Yusuf during a religious gathering in Kaduna.
According to Yusuf, the breakthrough came after a series of meetings held in July between the clerics and Turji’s gang in the Fakai forest of Zamfara State. He clarified that speculation regarding the death of a gang member named Dan Bakkolo is false.
Yusuf explained that the arms were surrendered in three phases, allowing local farmers to return to their lands. Turji also released 32 kidnapped captives as part of the peace agreement, with some victims having spent nearly four months in captivity.
Yusuf noted that the area has experienced relative peace since the dialogue began, enabling local farmers to cultivate their lands without fear. He emphasized the need for peace and reconciliation among all communities involved.
While acknowledging that the process is ongoing, Yusuf clarified that Turji was not asked to surrender all his weapons to avoid leaving him vulnerable to rival groups. He warned religious figures criticizing the dialogue on social media that such comments could inflame tensions.
Yusuf commended efforts at federal and state levels, praising several leaders for supporting a non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity. Turji emphasized the importance of collaboration for peace, stating that military action alone would not resolve the crisis.
Turji also criticized the political rivalry between Governor Dauda Lawal and former Governor Bello Matawalle, claiming it undermines the welfare of the people.
