Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has released 32 kidnapped victims and agreed to halt attacks on farmers following a series of peace talks facilitated by Islamic clerics in Zamfara State.
The development was disclosed by prominent Islamic scholar, Musa Yusuf (popularly known as Asadus-Sunnah), during a religious gathering in Kaduna on Monday. Yusuf revealed that the peace discussions were initiated by residents of Shinkafi Local Government Area, who sought access to their farmlands in the Fakai forest.
According to Yusuf, his delegation met with Turji and other key figures—including Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila—on three occasions in July. Contrary to earlier rumours, Dan Bakkolo is alive and participated in the talks.
The bandits reportedly surrendered some of their weapons in phases and pledged to allow safe farming activities. As a gesture of goodwill, Turji released 32 hostages, many of whom had been in captivity for nearly four months. Among the freed were women and children—some of whom gave birth in captivity. One victim was reportedly bitten by a snake during their ordeal.
“We agreed the Fulani should move freely without being profiled or harmed by vigilante groups,” Yusuf said. “The peace pact has so far brought calm to the Shinkafi axis.”
While the clerics urged Turji to embrace peace, they did not demand a full disarmament—citing the threat of rival gangs. Yusuf also cautioned fellow clerics against provocative remarks that could undermine the fragile agreement.
He acknowledged that the peace deal may not end all terrorism in Zamfara but noted significant improvements in areas under Turji’s control.
Yusuf commended President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal, and Senator Shehu Buba for backing dialogue-driven solutions to insecurity in the region.