A breakthrough peace initiative in Zamfara has led to the release of 32 captives and a partial arms surrender by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, clerics reveal.
Bello Turji, a feared bandit leader in Zamfara State, has reportedly freed 32 kidnapped victims and surrendered some arms following peace talks with Islamic clerics.
Sheikh Musa Yusuf Assadus Sunnah, who led the dialogue, said the meetings took place in July deep within the Fakai forest, Shinkafi LGA, and involved multiple notorious figures, including Dan Bakkolo and Black.
“In three phases, they surrendered some arms… They also agreed to allow farmers from Shinkafi access to their farmlands,” Sheikh Yusuf said.
He added that some victims, mostly women and children, had spent months in captivity. Videos shown in a Kaduna mosque captured the release and difficult journey to Turji’s camp.
The cleric commended the non-kinetic approach by the government but warned against demanding full disarmament too soon.
Shinkafi residents have since reported calm. Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu confirmed the release, saying, “There is jubilation everywhere in town.”
The government has not yet issued an official statement.