Sokoto, Zamfara communities reject calls for dialogue with Turji, fault Prof. Ribah

Sokoto, Zamfara communities reject calls for dialogue with Turji, fault Prof. Ribah

By: Zagazola Makama

Communities in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, as well as parts of Shinkafi in Zamfara, have rejected fresh calls for dialogue with notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.

The rejection was contained in a strongly worded response to Prof. Abubakar Usman Ribah, who had advocated for renewed peace talks with Turji and his fighters as a pathway to stability in the North-West.

Residents, in a statement circulated to newsmen on Wednesday, said they were the “direct victims” of Turji’s decade-long reign of terror and would not accept peace overtures that fail to address justice and the plight of displaced persons.

They recalled that over 13 years, Turji’s group had attacked no fewer than 89 villages in Sabon Birni and Isa axis, killing scores, abducting hundreds for ransom, and forcing more than two-thirds of the population into displacement within Niger Republic.

“Prof. Ribah, we are the natives of the lands Turji has destroyed; our parents and grandparents still live in these communities. We do not need second-hand information. We know this tragedy more than anyone,” the statement read.

The communities accused Turji’s fighters of widespread atrocities, including mass killings, arson, cattle rustling, abductions, extortion, and sexual violence against women.

They also faulted earlier government-backed peace initiatives, which they said failed to stop Turji despite financial inducements, provision of livestock feed, and even construction of houses in his base at Fakai.

“Every attempt at dialogue only emboldened him. Bello Turji continues to torment our people. Therefore, forcing us into another round of fruitless peace is unacceptable,” the residents said.

They questioned whether Prof. Ribah had ever consulted with traditional rulers or displaced community leaders from Sabon Birni and Isa before canvassing reconciliation with the warlord.

“Sulhu (peace) is desirable in Islam, but no believer is compelled to put his hand twice into the same pit. We have suffered too many losses. Our communities have no trust left in Turji,” the statement added.

The residents stressed that genuine peace could only come through justice, accountability, and restoration of the rights of affected villagers.

Bello Turji, designated by the military as a wanted bandit leader, has been accused of masterminding several deadly attacks across Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger Republic border communities.

Sokoto, Zamfara communities reject calls for dialogue with Turji, fault Prof. Ribah