Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has openly accused two former northern governors of fueling the deepening insecurity in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
In a viral video that surfaced on Sunday, Turji alleged that decisions taken by past political leaders laid the foundation for years of violence, killings, and displacement in the two states.
The accusations, coming from a man long linked to deadly attacks, were unexpected and have drawn public attention.
According to Turji, he participated in several peace meetings with the Zamfara State government during the tenure of a former governor.
He claimed the talks were genuine efforts to restore calm at the time. However, he firmly denied reports that he received any financial reward to join the peace process.
Turji dismissed claims that he was paid N30 million or given material benefits.
He insisted the allegations were fabricated to discredit him and the meetings. Meanwhile, his comments have reopened debate over how previous administrations handled insecurity in the North-West.
The bandit leader also accused earlier governments of arming vigilante groups known as ‘Yan Banga’. He claimed these groups targeted Fulani communities and worsened the cycle of violence. According to him, those actions created mistrust and escalated armed confrontations.
“We openly say that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” Turji asserted in the video.
However, efforts to get direct responses from the former governors were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Sources close to them strongly rejected the allegations and described Turji’s statements as misleading.
One source dismissed the claims, saying, “Why would anyone place value on the words of a terrorist? He is only trying to present himself as a victim. It is all lies.”
Nevertheless, they note that the video reflects ongoing tensions and unresolved grievances linked to the region’s prolonged crisis.
The Bello Turji insecurity claims have also renewed calls for a deeper review of past security strategies in Zamfara and Sokoto. In addition, some residents believe accountability is necessary to prevent future violence.
However, government officials insist that addressing banditry requires sustained military pressure, improved intelligence, and community engagement. Therefore, they argue that blame games will not solve the problem.
As the video continues to circulate online, the Bello Turji insecurity claims remain a reminder of the complex roots of violence in northern Nigeria.
