Terrorist Leader Fingers Defence Minister, Bello Matawalle In Bandits’ Attacks In Zamfara – Report

Terrorist leader Bello Turji has accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of empowering terrorists during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State, investigative news portal, Premium Times has reported.

In a video released on July 18, Turji claimed that Bello Matawalle‘s amnesty scheme, which provided financial rewards and protection to bandits who surrendered their arms, was a failed deal that allowed some of his colleagues to operate from cities.

Bello Turji

“Any person living in Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Isa (Sokoto State) cannot deny this claim. There is a particular group of bandits whom the former governor pampered. I chased the group from Shinkafi, I killed their leader, Dudu, for peace to reign in Shinkafi. The group had 200 arms, but the governor later hosted them (Dudu’s boys) at the Government House,” Turji said.

Turji alleged that some bandit leaders involved in the peace truce moved to the Sokoto metropolis after giving their arms to their boys, who continued to kidnap for ransom. He named some of the leaders as Bashari Maniya, Kabiru, and Buhari, who are now residing in Sokoto town.

“Dan Maigari is the junior brother to Bashari Maniya; he has 150 guns, his hideout is in the Maradun riverine area, and he is responsible for attacks in the Maradun axis.

“Ali is a boy to Kabiru Maniya, and he is responsible for attacks in Tangaza axis. Both Bashiri and Kabiru are residing in the Sokoto metropolis, enjoying their lives. One other person, Buhari, is also in Sokoto town enjoying himself.

“Three weeks ago, a younger brother of Buhari was apprehended with guns in the Sokoto metropolis. Let anyone come out and deny this. I can come forward with video evidence where Kabiru is seen firing machine guns.

“The question now is, where are the machine guns after they claimed that they have embraced peace and settled in Sokoto town? Who did he give the machine guns? Let the government explain this to Nigerians, who are killing the people. Let them stop blaming Bello Turji for the killings and kidnapping.

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“People that are being kidnapped in Sokoto metropolis and taken to the back of Achida and Goronyo, who is responsible for the kidnapping? Is that also Bello Turji? Who is living in peace in Shinkafi?” Mr Turji queried.

“Who did he give the machine guns? Let the government explain this to Nigerians, who are killing the people. Let them stop blaming Bello Turji for the killings and kidnapping,” Turji queried.

Premium Times reported that it was unable to get a response from the minister’s spokesperson, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, as his phone contact did not connect throughout Sunday morning.