Bello Turji, a notorious terrorism figure operating in Zamfara State, has agreed to a partial disarmament and released 32 kidnapped individuals, following a peace initiative led by Islamic clerics.
The development was disclosed by Musa Yusuf, also known as Asadus-Sunnah, during a religious gathering on Monday in Kaduna. According to Mr. Yusuf, series of meetings took place in July between his team and Turji’s camp in Fakai forest, located in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara.
“We met Mr Turji, Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa and Malam Ila. The speculation that Dan Bakkolo was killed is not true. These people are the ones terrorising the axis, and they all agreed to the peace proposals, one of which is for them to surrender some of their arms to show commitment to the peace process.
“They surrendered the arms in three phases at different times, and allowed the residents of Shinkafi to access their farms in the forest across the river heading to Mr Turji enclaves. We agreed that the Fulanis must be allowed to go to town without being stereotyped or killed by the vigilante.
“He (Mr Turji) also released 32 kidnapped captives as part of the peace agreement,” Mr Yusuf said and showed the video of some of the released captives and the difficult terrain they crossed to reach Mr Turji’s camp.
The hostages, which included women and children, had been held for approximately four months, Mr Yusuf added. Some gave birth in captivity, while others endured harsh conditions, including snake bites.
Since the agreement was reached, the Shinkafi axis has reportedly seen a noticeable improvement in security, with residents now returning to their farms without fear.
Mr. Yusuf emphasized that while progress has been made, the peace process remains delicate. The clerics have chosen not to ask Turji to surrender all of his weapons in order to avoid making him vulnerable to rival groups.
He warned clerics attacking Mr Turji online that their utterances would only exacerbate the situation.
He said that while the deal with Mr Turji would not end terrorist attacks in Zamfara, the communities on his axis are enjoying peace.
The cleric commended President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and Senator Shehu Buba for endorsing a non-violent approach in tackling regional insecurity.
In a video clip from October, Turji had issued a warning about continued instability in the region:
“This is why we are calling on all of you to come and collaborate with us for peace to reign and stop the bloodbath in Zamfara. Guns and airstrikes will not stop us because we are not afraid of death.
“The blame game over the worsening security situation between Governor Lawal and Bello Matawalle, now the Minister of State for Defence, was political, saying both politicians do not have their people’s best interests at heart,” Mr Turji said.
As discussions continue, observers remain cautiously optimistic about the potential for further de-escalation in Zamfara’s long-running conflict.
