In a startling development, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of supporting terrorism during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State. The allegations were made in a video released by Turji from his hideout.
While PM News has not independently verified Turji's claims, it is noteworthy that banditry in Nigeria escalated during Matawalle's administration in Zamfara. Turji's video alleges that the security issues in the region had the backing of the previous Zamfara government.
"This government has been complicit in backing terrorism. There are individuals from Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Issah who cannot deny this video," Turji asserted. He claimed to have evidence supporting his allegations and urged the federal government to investigate.
"Many Nigerians, for example those in Bauchi or Kaduna, may not be aware of the problems in Zamfara. However, I want to assure the federal government that if they are unaware, I will provide names, details, and evidence," he stated. Turji accused the past Zamfara government of sabotaging peace efforts, specifically naming individuals allegedly involved in these activities.
"The past Government of Zamfara, under Matawalle, facilitated negotiations but also sabotaged efforts. There were multiple negotiations, but the dialogue did not succeed because everyone in Shinkafi and Isah knows the truth," Turji said. He cited the example of a late bandit, Dillu, who was allegedly driven away by Turji for hindering peace efforts.
Turji alleged that the government had invited armed individuals to the government house and provided them with weapons. "They possessed more than 200 rifles, and Matawalle invited them to the government house. If I am lying, there are still people in the government house that can explain this," he claimed.
Turji detailed instances of armed banditry, naming specific individuals and accusing them of possessing large caches of weapons. "Everyone knows that they have over 300 rifles, of which I took 30 from them. Let them come out and tell the truth about what is going on," he insisted.
He accused certain individuals of pretending to be repentant while still coordinating attacks. "And whenever bandits want to attack any location, they will advise the security to vacate areas in Sokoto to allow the attacks to take place," Turji alleged, calling on local residents to verify his claims.
Turji further accused bandit leaders of living freely and lavishly in Sokoto, while still engaging in violent activities. "Kabiru, Buhari, and others are living lavish lives in Sokoto," he said.
He challenged the authorities to investigate the source of arms used by these individuals, stating, "The government should explain this to Nigerians and stop accusing Bello Turji of killing and kidnapping people."
Turji concluded by urging the government to take responsibility for some of the atrocities being committed and to stop falsely accusing others.
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