Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has alleged that two former governors from northern Nigeria are responsible for worsening insecurity in the region, particularly in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
Turji made the claims in a viral video that surfaced on Sunday, accusing past political leadership in both states of laying the foundation for the protracted security crisis in the North.
According to him, he participated in several peace meetings with the Zamfara State government during the tenure of a former governor. However, he denied allegations that he received ₦30 million or any material inducement to take part in the peace process.
Turji further alleged that former administrations armed vigilante groups, popularly known as Yan Banga, claiming they disproportionately targeted Fulani communities and contributed to the escalation of violence.
In the video, the bandit leader specifically mentioned former governors of Sokoto and Zamfara states, calling for their arrest and investigation over what he described as their roles in the insecurity affecting the region.
“We openly say that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” Turji claimed.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain reactions from the two former governors were unsuccessful.
However, according to Vanguard, sources close to the former governors dismissed Turji’s claims, insisting that statements made by a terrorist should not be taken seriously.
“Why would anyone want to place a premium on the words of a terrorist? Is it not clear that the terrorist is just trying to present himself as a victim? It is all lies,” one of the sources said.