Villagers in Sokoto and Zamfara have rejected renewed peace talks with wanted bandit Bello Turji.
Communities insist reconciliation without justice only deepens wounds after years of killings and displacement.
SEE ALSO: Bandit Leader Turji Releases Captives, Embraces Peace Deal
Communities in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, along with parts of Shinkafi in Zamfara, have firmly rejected renewed appeals for peace talks with notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
Their position came in response to Prof. Abubakar Usman Ribah, who had urged dialogue with Turji and his fighters as a means of restoring calm to the troubled North-West.
In a statement released to journalists on Wednesday, residents described themselves as “the primary victims” of Turji’s prolonged violence and insisted they would not accept any peace deal that ignores justice or the plight of displaced villagers.
The communities recounted that in more than a decade, Turji’s fighters had attacked at least 89 villages in the Sabon Birni and Isa areas, leaving hundreds dead, abducting scores for ransom, and driving over two-thirds of the local population into exile across the Niger Republic border.
“Prof. Ribah, we are the true owners of these lands Turji has destroyed. Our families still live with the scars. We do not need outside interpretations of our pain; we know it better than anyone,” the statement read.
Residents accused Turji’s group of committing serious crimes such as killings, arson, kidnappings, cattle theft, extortion, and s€xual violence against women. They further condemned previous government-backed reconciliation efforts, which they said provided the warlord with money, food for his livestock, and even housing, yet failed to halt his attacks.
“Each attempt at dialogue only gave him more confidence. Forcing us into another meaningless round of peace talks is unacceptable,” they declared.
They also questioned whether Prof. Ribah had consulted traditional leaders or displaced persons before making his appeal, stressing that reconciliation without justice would not bring stability.
“Islam encourages peace, but it does not require believers to walk into the same trap twice. Our trust in Turji is broken beyond repair,” the communities stated.
The residents concluded that real peace could only be achieved through justice, accountability, and restoration of the rights of victims.
Bello Turji, who has been declared wanted by the Nigerian military, is widely accused of masterminding deadly attacks across Sokoto, Zamfara, and border areas of Niger Republic.
