In Zamfara State, a notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, has finally embraced the peace initiative of the state government as part of efforts to end bandit attacks.
THE DAILY VENDOR reports that the development was confirmed by the Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Hassan Nasiha.
Nasiha made the disclosure at the weekend during a press conference on security situation in Gusau, organised by the Students’ Union of Medina University.
According to the Deputy governor, Turji’s action was bringing about relative peace in the three local government areas that had been at the frontline of banditry in Zamfara State.
Senator Nasiha noted that following the dialogue to broker peace between the Fulani and the Hausa in Birnin Magaji, Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas, there has been no clash between the two warring factions, thereby bringing relative peace.
He further stated that, “Governor Bello Matawalle thought it is necessary to use kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. It would not be a gun battle or a war, using whatever weapons between the bandits and the people.”
Adding that the committee constituted by Governor Bello Matawalle, chaired by him, had held a peace meeting with nine bandits’ camps at Magami District and Dansadau Emirate of Gusau and Maru Local Government Areas of the State to stop further attacks on innocent citizens.
The bandits raised their concerns on the way forward, he noted.
Nasiha said, they claimed that the Hausas always attacked and raped their women, killing the Fulani on their way to or returning from the market.
And also lamented that there is no school built for their children and that ignorance pushed them into banditry.
The Senator expressed delight that Turji, who keyed into the amnesty programme of Governor Bello Matawalle, was now launching an offensive campaign against the terrorists in the areas to ensure peace and stability in the State.