Following a video allegedly showing bandit leader Bello Turji seeking reconciliation with the Federal Government, a group of northern elders has urged President Bola Tinubu to disregard his actions.
In a statement released in Kaduna on Thursday, Alhaji Mustafa Dutsinma, Northwest chairman of the Arewa Elders Progressive Group, warned against any attempts to reconcile with individuals involved in banditry. He emphasized that public morale has improved, with people feeling confident and satisfied with ongoing military operations in the region.
Dutsinma accused Turji of feigning interest in reconciliation, given the numerous lives lost due to his and his gang’s actions in the north-west over recent years. He stated, “We, the northern elders, feel compelled to address this critical issue that endangers the nation’s security and stability.” Reports have suggested that President Tinubu may be considering reconciling with Turji and his associates.
We strongly advise against this move, as it will set a dangerous precedent and undermine the government’s efforts to combat banditry,” Dutsinma said.
He emphasised that reconciling with those who had perpetrated heinous crimes against innocent citizens would be a betrayal of public trust.
While commending the military operations going on so far in some villages of Shinkafi and Jibia, especially air and ground attacks, Dutsinma urged the military to sustain the offensives for effective results.
He said that reconciling with the bandits would be a slap in the face of victims and their families who have suffered unimaginable trauma and loss while demanding that justice be served and those responsible for the atrocities be held accountable.
Dutsinma said the relocation of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff, other service chiefs and senior military personnel to the troubled areas in the north reflected the commitment of the Federal Government towards tackling banditry.
