Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has alleged that two former governors from northern Nigeria played key roles in worsening insecurity across the region, particularly in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
The claims were made in a viral video that surfaced on Sunday, in which Turji accused past political leadership in both states of laying the groundwork for years of violence, banditry, and instability that continue to plague communities in the North-West.
Turji said he was involved in multiple peace negotiations with the Zamfara State government during the tenure of a former governor, describing the engagements as part of failed attempts to restore calm to affected areas.
He, however, rejected allegations that he received financial incentives to participate in the peace process, denying claims that he was paid N30 million or given material benefits by the government.
At the time of publication, efforts to obtain reactions from the two former governors named by Turji were unsuccessful, as neither has publicly responded to the allegations.
Sources close to the former governors, speaking to Vanguard, dismissed Turji’s statements, arguing that the testimony of a terrorist should not be taken seriously. One source described the accusations as an attempt by the bandit leader to portray himself as a victim.
Turji further alleged that previous administrations armed local vigilante groups, known as Yan Banga, claiming they disproportionately targeted Fulani communities and contributed to the escalation of violence. He called for the arrest and investigation of the former governors, insisting they should be held responsible for what he described as the region’s security collapse.
