Bello Turji: Families of Victims Urge Tinubu to Investigate Yerima and Bafarawa

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Investigation Request
• Allegations Against Former Governors
• Impact of Banditry
• Call to Action

Families of victims affected by insecurity in the North-West, under the auspices of the Coalition of Families Impacted by Banditry, have urged President Bola Tinubu to initiate an investigation into allegations against two former governors, Ahmed Sani Yerima of Zamfara and Attahiru Bafarawa of Sokoto.

The coalition, representing families who have suffered the loss of loved ones, homes, and livelihoods due to rampant banditry in the region, made this request in a petition submitted to the President on Wednesday.

The families specifically called on Tinubu to investigate claims made by a notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, who alleged that the policies implemented by Yerima and Bafarawa during their terms as governors, particularly the appropriation of grazing reserves and the arming of vigilante groups, contributed to the surge of banditry in the region.

Copies of the petition, signed by Chairperson Otuba Rawene, Secretary Sani Usman, PRO Hajia Hadijat Abdullahi, and 20 other members, were shared with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.

While acknowledging that Turji is responsible for significant bloodshed and violence in the region and should be held accountable by security agencies, the families emphasized that the claims made by the bandit leader also merit investigation.

The families asserted that a comprehensive investigation and prosecution of those found guilty would help to end the cycle of violence in the North-West.

Parts of the petition state: “Many of us have lost loved ones to brutal killings, witnessed family members being abducted, or been compelled to flee our homes, leaving behind livelihoods and communities ravaged by violence.

“We reach out to Your Excellency with a deep sense of urgency and responsibility, seeking your support in addressing serious allegations recently made public by the infamous bandit leader Bello Turji.

“In a widely circulated video released in December 2025, Turji accused former Zamfara State Governor Ahmed Sani Yerima and former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa of laying the groundwork for the ongoing insecurity crisis.

“Specifically, he claimed that their policies, including the appropriation and sale of grazing reserves and the arming of vigilante groups targeting Fulani communities, sparked ethnic tensions and cycles of retaliatory violence that have evolved into today’s widespread banditry.

“While we recognize that Bello Turji is a wanted criminal responsible for numerous atrocities, including the deaths of many of our relatives, we believe these allegations deserve serious and impartial examination.

“As the saying goes, ‘where there is smoke, there is fire.’ Having exhausted domestic avenues for justice, often met with inaction or dismissive responses, we turn to the President, a steadfast advocate for human rights and accountability, as our last hope for uncovering the truth and ensuring justice prevails.

“The extent of suffering caused by banditry in North-West Nigeria is staggering and warrants international attention.”

The petition highlighted that credible reports indicate thousands of civilian deaths, mass displacements, and severe economic devastation resulting from banditry in the North-West.

“For instance, between 2018 and 2020 alone, armed banditry resulted in at least 4,900 deaths. In the first half of 2025, over 2,266 individuals were killed by insurgents and bandits, exceeding the total for all of 2024. Recent data show that thousands are abducted annually, with confirmed ransom payments amounting to billions of naira (e.g., N2.57 billion from July 2024 to June 2025).

“These attacks have displaced hundreds of thousands, disrupted agriculture and trade, deepened poverty, and caused lasting trauma for survivors. Communities live in constant fear, with bandits imposing illegal levies and operating with impunity.

“As victims seeking justice and an end to this cycle of violence, we implore the Nigerian government to publicly launch a swift, independent, and thorough investigation into Bello Turji’s allegations against the aforementioned former governors. Provide technical assistance or support for international oversight to ensure the investigation is credible and free from political interference.

“Advocate for broader measures to address impunity, including sanctions if evidence of complicity in serious crimes emerges. We firmly believe that accountability for those who may have contributed to this crisis, regardless of their status, is crucial for breaking the cycle of violence and restoring peace,” the statement concluded.