By Suleiman Tanko
Bello Turji, the infamous bandit gang leader, has inflicted immense suffering upon the communities of Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, and other north-western states. His reign of terror has brought about widespread devastation, leaving behind a trail of tears, sorrow, and death. Turji’s criminal activities, which include kidnapping for ransom and wanton destruction of properties, have instilled fear and anxiety in the hearts of innocent citizens, turning once-thriving communities into ghost towns.
Turji’s modus operandi is one marked by ruthlessness and brutality. He shows no mercy towards his victims, resorting to violence and intimidation to achieve his nefarious goals. The sheer audacity of his actions, combined with the callous disregard for human life, underscores the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against him and dismantle his criminal network.
In addition to his criminal activities, Turji is also a master manipulator and propagator of lies. He has made it a habit to falsely accuse prominent personalities, including traditional leaders, community heads, religious scholars, and political figures, in an attempt to tarnish their reputations and sow discord within communities. His baseless accusations against Sheikh Bello Yabo and Minister of State for Defence Bello Mohammed Matawalle are clear examples of his malicious intent and ruthless tactics.
Turji’s attacks on Minister of Defence Bello Matawalle, a key figure responsible for the current successes in the fight against banditry in Zamfara and the North generallu, are not only unfounded but also attempts to undermine the progress made in addressing the security challenges faced by the region.
Minister Matawalle has been instrumental in implementing various strategies to combat banditry and restore peace to the area. His efforts have led to a significant decrease in the activities of criminal elements in the North and have brought hope to the residents of the region.
It is important to recognize Turji’s actions for what they truly are – the desperate actions of a criminal backed into a corner, lashing out in a final attempt to save himself from his inevitable downfall. By resorting to deceit and manipulation, Turji is seeking to deflect attention from his own crimes and evade accountability for his actions. However, it is essential that his lies and fabrications are exposed for the falsehoods they are and the larger conspiracy at play, with political motives driving his malicious agenda.
From the interview with Turji, it is evident that he was playing a script handed to him by some desperate politicians in the state.
The interview seemed to be orchestrated with a specific agenda in mind, aiming to discredit Matawalle by insinuating his connections with bandits even after he had left office. However, the ill-conceived scheme backfired as Turji failed to convincingly play his part in the script.
This misguided attempt to discredit Matawalle through Turji’s interview only served to expose the desperation and lack of credibility of some politicians in Zamfara state and his attempt to follow the script fell short as he made several glaring errors and missteps.
One of the biggest blunders in Turji’s interview was when he claimed that more than a year after Matawalle had left office, bandits still held substantial influence in the government house. This statement not only backfired on the current governor, Dauda Lawal, but also lacked any basis in reality.
Importantly too, throughout Matawalle’s tenure as governor, none of the headquarters of the 14 local government areas in the state were ever infiltrated by bandits. In contrast, under the current administration, several local government headquarters and even the state capital have been invaded by bandits in just the first year.
Moreover, Turji attempted to link Matawalle to the activities of bandits in Sokoto state, where he had never been governor. This blatant misrepresentation only further highlighted Turji’s lack of comprehension and ability to play the script effectively.
It is also worth mentioning that Turji was actually involved in Matawalle’s reconciliation initiative, which led to a year of peace and decreased hostilities in the state before the resurgence of violence under the current administration.
Another source of concern is a video clip of a band of heavily armed masked bandits proclaiming their allegiance to Dauda Lawal. The fact that they stated they are “with Dauda Lawal 100 per cent and will do whatever he likes us to do” raises serious suspicions about the ties between the current administration and criminal elements.
This unequivocal declaration of loyalty indicates a close relationship between Dauda Lawal and these bandits, suggesting that they may be working in concert to further their own interests. Furthermore, the bandits’ willingness to carry out any task assigned to them by Lawal raises questions about the true nature of their relationship and the motives behind their actions.
It is clear that Dauda Lawal is using these bandits as a tool to tarnish the image of his predecessor, by aligning himself with criminal elements and using them to carry out his bidding.
The latest attempt to undermine Matawalle and his legacy through Turji’s interview only serves to highlight the depth of this connection between the bandits and the Lawal administration in the state
It is however clear that the scheme has failed miserably. The lack of accuracy and coherence in Turji’s statements only serve to discredit the script handed to him by desperate politicians. It is imperative for the citizens of Zamfara state to critically assess the information presented to them and not fall victim to manipulative political agendas. The truth always prevails, and it is essential to seek out factual and unbiased information in order to make informed decisions for the betterment of the state.
Bello Turji’s malicious campaign of lies and deceit should not be allowed to dictate the narrative. His actions must be met with skepticism and condemnation, as he continues to wage a war of misinformation against innocent individuals and institutions. As the truth comes to light, Turji’s downfall is imminent, and justice will prevail in the face of his reckless and unfounded allegations.
Middle-Belt Times 