Why Believe A Terrorist?’ Sources Slam Bello Turji’s Claims

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has ignited fresh controversy after publicly accusing two former North-West governors of triggering the prolonged insecurity in the region.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a video that went viral on Saturday, Turji named a former governor of Sokoto State and a former governor of Zamfara State, accusing them of being “responsible for the calamities” that have plagued both states. He called for their investigation and arrest.

Turji alleged that the crisis escalated after political leaders armed local vigilante groups, popularly known as Yan Banga, claiming the groups targeted Fulani communities and fueled violence across the region.

He denied being influenced by politicians, stating: “We are not politicians and we are not tools of politicians. Nobody is backing us.”

Attempts to obtain reactions from the accused former governors were unsuccessful. However, sources close to them strongly dismissed Turji’s claims, describing them as false and self-serving.

One source questioned the credibility of the accusations, saying, “Why should anyone place value on the words of a terrorist? He is only trying to present himself as a victim. Everything he said is a lie.”

Another source told Vanguard that Turji’s statements lacked credibility, adding: “This is someone who has repeatedly killed people. Are those the words you want to believe? All his claims are false.”

The Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation declined to comment on the matter.

The video also appeared to be a response to allegations by former peace negotiator Musa Kamarawa, who claimed that Turji received ₦30 million as part of a non-kinetic engagement with the Zamfara State government.

Turji acknowledged attending peace meetings at the Government House in Gusau during the administration of former Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence, but denied receiving any money.

“By Allah, since I was born, I have never even possessed ₦5 million. What I am doing is not for personal gain. We were never given the ₦30 million you are talking about,” he said.

He maintained that the meetings were solely aimed at reducing violence and restoring peace, accusing Kamarawa of spreading “false and malicious” claims and betraying the trust built during the negotiations.