Claims He and His Tribe Deserve Victim Status
By Mike Odeh James
(Kaduna) Bello Turji, a notorious terrorism kingpin, has taken to YouTube videos again to claim that he and his Fulani tribe outlaws are victims of a government vendetta. (see translation below.) [The Fulani people are one of the dominant northern tribes of Nigeria, claiming 9 million members.] The so-called bandit leader pronounces to the military of Nigeria seeking to “neutralize him,” his terms for peace in Zamfara State.
Turji controls more than 1,000 subordinate bandit-terrorist gangs in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kaduna states that have killed thousands of unarmed farmers, according to TruthNigeria sources. Those small-plot farmers who resist demands of killer mercenaries to abandon their properties are obliged to pay so-called taxes to the bandits, TruthNigeria has learned
In the recent video, Turji claimed that Governor Dauda Lawal and former Governor Bello Matawalle are politicizing the insecurity in the state.
Turji believes that peace would return to Zamfara if security agents and vigilante groups would stop attacking Fulani’s in the state and other northwestern.
Turji also denied allegations of being sponsored by politicians, stating that his group’s actions are divinely inspired. He criticized Governor Lawal and Matawalle for labeling each other as terrorist sponsors, calling it a political blame game.
The conflict in Zamfara, according to Turji, began during Zamfara Gov. Ahmed Yerima’s administration, which allegedly sold out grazing reserves and legalized Fulani killings. He emphasized that only God, not governors, can stop the conflict.
Turji also confirmed the killing of Halilu Sububu, his overlord, which he claims has emboldened younger generations to continue deadly attacks. The Nigerian government has intensified military operations against terrorist groups in Zamfara, and Governor Lawal has stated that Turji may be killed soon.
Key Points of Bello Turji’s Public Appeal
– Turji’s conditions for peace require that security agents and vigilante groups stop attacking Fulani’s.
– Politization of Insecurity: Turji accuses Governor Lawal and Matawalle of politicizing insecurity
– Denial of Sponsorship: Turji denies being sponsored by politicians
– Historical Context Conflict began during Ahmed Yerima’s administration
– Continued Violence: Turji confirms Halilu Sububu’s killing, and vows continued attacks
Mike Odeh James is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
