From Tunde Bishop, in Sokoto
The Security Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd), has urged a notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji to demonstrate sincere commitment to the peace.
He also demanded for the immediate releasie of all kidnapped victims in his custody and cease further attacks on rural communities.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser, a copy made available to journalists in Sokoto on Sunday.
Usman said the call for a peace deal followed a viral audio circulating on social media in which Turji expressed a willingness to embrace peace and encouraged fellow bandit leaders to open up to dialogue.
He said while the State Government welcomes Turji’s statement as a potential step toward ending violence in the region, it also emphasized that words must be matched with action.
“If Turji is genuinely committed to peace, he must prove it by halting all forms of violence and unconditionally releasing innocent civilians being held hostage,” he said.
He further noted that the safety and welfare of rural dwellers remain a top priority for the Sokoto State Government under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
“There can be no true dialogue while communities continue to live in fear and captivity. Peace begins with concrete steps that build trust,” Col. Usman stated.
He reiterates the state government’s readiness to support any credible peace initiative that brings lasting security to the region but maintains that criminality will not be tolerated under any guise.
He called on all stakeholders—community leaders, civil society organizations, and religious institutions—to support efforts aimed at restoring peace.
He also urged Turji and other bandits to take this opportunity seriously, starting with a complete end to violence and the safe return of all abducted individuals.
