The Northern Elders have strongly urged President Bola Tinubu to reject any attempts at reconciliation with notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, following the release of a video in which Turji purportedly seeks peace with the Federal Government.
Mustafa Dutsinma, the Northwest Chairman of the Arewa Elders Progressive Group, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna. Dutsinma warned against any reconciliation with individuals involved in banditry, stressing that it would undermine the government’s ongoing efforts to combat the crisis.
He emphasized that Turji’s offer for reconciliation should not be trusted, given the bloodshed and terror he and his gang have inflicted on communities in the North-West over the past years.
“The morale of the people is high, and they are confident in the military operations taking place across the region. Turji’s so-called desire for reconciliation is nothing but a ploy,” Dutsinma said.
“We, the Northern Elders, feel compelled to address this dangerous situation that could compromise national security. Reports suggesting that President Tinubu may consider reconciling with Turji and his cohorts are troubling. We advise against this move, as it would set a terrible precedent and betray the trust of the people.”
Dutsinma further noted that reconciling with criminals who have committed heinous crimes against innocent civilians would be a slap in the face of the victims and their families. He lauded the military for their ongoing operations in Shinkafi, Jibia, and other affected areas, and called for the continuation of air and ground offensives to ensure the total defeat of bandits.
He stressed that justice must prevail, warning that any reconciliation without accountability would be a miscarriage of justice and a disservice to the nation.
“The government’s primary duty is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. We urge President Tinubu to uphold this responsibility and avoid any actions that could compromise national security. Turji and his gang must face the full weight of the law for their crimes, which include murder, kidnapping, and destruction of property,” Dutsinma stated.
He also commended the relocation of Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff, and other top military officials to the troubled areas in the North-West, describing it as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling the banditry menace.
In conclusion, Dutsinma called on President Tinubu to prioritize the safety of Nigerians and ensure that those responsible for banditry are held accountable for their actions. Anything less, he warned, would be a failure of leadership and a betrayal of public trust.
