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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
Nigeria loses Consular General in Buea, Cameroon
By: Michael Mike
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the sudden demise of Ambassador Taofik Obasanjo Coker, the Consul General of Nigeria in Buea, Republic of Cameroon, who unfortunately passed on after a brief illness on Saturday, 16th August 2025.
According to a statement by the spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Ambassador Coker was a hardworking and dedicated career diplomat who served Nigeria with distinction, commitment and professionalism in different capacities.
He said: “His untimely death, therefore, is a great loss to the diplomatic community and the nation at large.”
Ebienfa added that: “Prior to his appointment and assumption of duty as Consul-General of Nigeria, in Buea, he served Nigeria meritoriously in our Missions in Conakry, Guinea and Shanghai, China.”
The statement further read. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, colleagues and friends at this difficult time and prays for the peaceful repose of his soul.”
Nigeria loses Consular General in Buea, Cameroon
Police arrest vandals targeting solar infrastructure in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the FCT Police Command have arrested two suspects involved in the vandalism of solar poles and lights in Abuja.
Zagazola gathered that on Aug. 17 at about 2:30 a.m., a Jabi Division patrol intercepted vandals at Kado axis damaging solar poles, cables, and lights. Upon sighting the police vehicle, the suspects attempted to flee into nearby bushes and flower gardens.
Two suspects were apprehended during the operation: Emmanuel Danladi, 22, of Gwarinpa, and Muhammed Hassan, 23, of Life Camp. Recovered from them were four solar light poles, one solar light, an iron shovel, two iron cutters, and two melter saws.
The suspects confessed to their involvement in the vandalism and provided information on their accomplices and receivers of the stolen items. Investigation is ongoing.
End
Three women arrested for alleged human trafficking in Enugu
By: Zagazola Makama
Enugu State Police Command has arrested three women suspected to be involved in human trafficking.
According to sources, on Aug. 16 at about 7:30 p.m., operatives raided a black spot at 9th Mile following intelligence reports.
The suspects, Chisom Onyia, 23, of Udi LGA; Chinasa Ugwuodo, 23, of Udenu LGA; and Faith Ajula, 23, of Oguta LGA in Imo State, were all reportedly pregnant and allegedly recruited by a woman known as Nwanyi Ngwo for the purpose of selling their children after delivery.
The sources said the case has been transferred to the OC Gender/Human Trafficking at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.
End
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Prof. Ribah clarifies stance on dialogue, says he does not support ransom or levies to bandits
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