Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Murtala Asada, has condemned calls for dialogue with notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, describing the idea as dangerous and a threat to the safety of communities in the North West.
Asada’s remarks came on Wednesday in reaction to comments made by Professor Abubakar Usman Ribah, who recently advocated for government-led peace talks with Turji as a step toward ending insecurity in the region.
Rejecting Ribah’s position, the cleric urged residents of communities ravaged by banditry to resist such proposals and instead embrace collective self-defence.
“Dialogue with Turji is not the solution. People should not waste time hoping for peace talks with someone who has killed, kidnapped, and destroyed lives. What our people need to do is protect themselves, defend their families, and stand against these criminals,” Asada stated.
The cleric also addressed a viral audio clip circulating on social media, allegedly featuring him in conversation with Turji. He clarified that the recording was made about five years ago and does not reflect his current stance.
Recall that past peace initiatives in Zamfara and Katsina States where governments entered into dialogue and even offered amnesty to bandit groups, collapsed after gunmen reneged on their promises and resumed incessant attacks on communities.
