Bello Turni
Bello Turji, a notorious terrorist leader in Zamfara State, has released 32 kidnapped victims and surrendered some of his arms as part of a peace initiative brokered by Islamic clerics. The peace talks, held in July in the Fakai forest, were initiated by residents of Shinkafi who sought to end Turji’s attacks and allow farmers to access their lands.
The released hostages, including women and children, had spent nearly four months in captivity. Some women reportedly gave birth while in captivity, and one victim suffered a snake bite. Sheikh Musa Yusuf, also known as Asadus-Sunnah, who led the dialogue, presented a video showing the freed captives navigating the difficult terrain to reach safety.
As part of the agreement, Turji’s group surrendered some of their arms in three phases and allowed local farmers to return to their lands across the river leading into Turji’s enclave. The deal also includes a commitment to stop targeting Fulani communities, ensuring they can visit towns without harassment from vigilante groups.
Since the agreement, the Shinkafi area has witnessed relative calm, with locals now cultivating their farmlands without fear of violence. However, Yusuf cautioned that the peace remains delicate, and ongoing discussions are focused on ensuring a complete cessation of hostilities.
The cleric praised President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and Senator Shehu Buba for endorsing a non-violent approach to the region’s security crisis. Yusuf also urged clerics to refrain from inflammatory online attacks against Turji, warning that such actions could derail the fragile truce .
The peace agreement marks a significant step towards peace in Zamfara State, but further talks are underway to ensure lasting stability in the region.
