Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has accused two former northern governors of exacerbating insecurity in the region, particularly in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
In a viral video that surfaced on Sunday, Turji alleged that past political leadership laid the groundwork for the long-running insecurity in these states.
He claimed to have attended multiple peace meetings with the Zamfara State government during the tenure of a former governor.
Turji denied reports that he received N30 million or any material inducement to participate in the peace initiatives.
Attempts to obtain reactions from the former governors were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
However, sources close to them dismissed Turji’s claims, describing his statements as false.
“Why would anyone place value on the words of a terrorist? He is only trying to present himself as a victim. It is all lies,” one source said.
The bandit leader also alleged that previous administrations armed vigilante groups, known as ‘Yan Banga,’ which he claimed targeted Fulani communities and fueled violence.
He called for the arrest and investigation of the former Sokoto and Zamfara governors, holding them responsible for the crises in their states.
“We openly say that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” Turji asserted.