July 06, (THEWILL) — The Sokoto State Government has called on notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, to demonstrate genuine commitment to peace by unconditionally releasing all kidnapped victims in his custody and halting further attacks on rural communities.
The appeal was made by the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Colonel Ahmed Usman (retd.), in a statement made available to journalists in Sokoto on Sunday.
Colonel Usman said the call followed a viral audio message circulating on social media in which Turji expressed his willingness to embrace peace and urged fellow bandit leaders to consider dialogue as a way forward.
While describing the statement as a potential turning point, Usman emphasized that words alone were not enough and must be backed by visible actions.
“If Turji is truly committed to peace, he must prove it by ceasing all forms of violence and releasing the innocent civilians still in captivity,” he said.
He noted that the safety and well-being of rural dwellers remain a top priority for the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, stressing that no meaningful peace process can take place while communities continue to live under the threat of violence.
“There can be no genuine dialogue while people are still in fear and captivity. Peace begins with concrete steps that build trust,” he added.
Usman reiterated the state government’s readiness to support any credible peace initiative that ensures lasting security in the region but warned that criminality will not be tolerated under any guise.
He further urged all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and religious institutions—to support efforts aimed at restoring peace in the state.
He also appealed to Turji and other armed groups to seize the opportunity for dialogue by ending hostilities and ensuring the immediate and safe release of all abducted persons.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
