Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has surrendered arms and released 32 kidnapped victims in Zamfara State, following direct peace talks with Islamic clerics.
One of the clerics involved, Sheikh Musa Yusuf Assadus Sunnah, revealed during a sermon in Kaduna that the meetings with Turji and other top bandits took place deep in the Fakai forest, located in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
“It was not an easy trip,” Sheikh Yusuf said.
“We had to cross a river without a canoe and travel a long distance into the forest on bikes before reaching Turji’s camp.”
According to him, the peace dialogues occurred on three occasions in July and were initiated at the request of Shinkafi residents, who have suffered years of attacks from armed groups.
Among those present at the meetings were Turji, Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila. Addressing rumors, Sheikh Yusuf clarified: “Contrary to speculations, Dan Bakkolo is alive and was present during the meetings.”
The discussions, which form part of a grassroots-led peace initiative, reportedly led to several commitments from the bandits. They included the symbolic surrender of some weapons and the release of 32 kidnapped victims mostly women and children.
Some of the freed captives had spent over four months in the bush, with several giving birth in captivity and others suffering from snake bites and other conditions.
“In three phases, they surrendered some arms to demonstrate their commitment to the peace process.
“They also agreed to allow farmers from Shinkafi access their farmlands across the river leading to Turji’s enclave”, Sheikh Yusuf said.
Vanguard reports that videos of the freed captives and the difficult terrain encountered by the clerics during their mission were shown to worshippers in Kaduna.
The peace agreement also includes a clause that Fulani residents be allowed to return to towns without fear of profiling or violence from vigilante groups.
Since the discussions, the Shinkafi area has experienced relative peace, with no reported kidnappings or killings, and farmers have returned to previously abandoned fields.
Despite the progress, Sheikh Yusuf urged caution in demanding total disarmament from Turji’s group at this stage, warning that rival bandit factions might take advantage of their vulnerability.
“We are engaging Turji gradually towards total peace. It would be unwise to ask him to surrender all his weapons now, as that could expose him to other armed groups who may not be part of the peace talks,” he said.
The cleric also urged fellow religious leaders to avoid public condemnation of Turji, noting that such criticism could derail the delicate peace process.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and Senator Shehu Buba for supporting non-violent approaches to tackling insecurity.
Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu, a Shinkafi indigene, confirmed the development and praised the peace effort.
He said, “It is true. Turji has released about 32 hostages and has shown willingness to surrender his arms. The people of Shinkafi are happy because the government has not done enough. There is jubilation everywhere in the town.”
While no official statement has been released by the government, a source familiar with the process said it is likely part of a discreet peace initiative involving residents and bandit groups.
