Tinubu having talks with bandits unacceptable – Arewa Elders
By KEMI KASUMU
The Arewa Elders Progressive Group has urged President Bola Tinubu to reject any reconciliation efforts with the notorious bandit Bello Turji and his associates who have been terrorizing the northwest region of Nigeria.
According to Punch, the group strongly opposes any move by the Federal Government to negotiate with Turji and his gang members.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday, Alhaji Mustafa Dutsin Ma, the group’s North-West Chairman, expressed skepticism about Turji’s purported willingness to reconcile, describing it as a potential deception given the extensive loss of life caused by his gang’s activities.
The group praised the current military operations in the North but warned that engaging in reconciliation with those responsible for grave crimes could undermine these efforts and erode public trust.
According to Punch, the Arewa Elders Progressive Group emphasized the need for justice for the victims and their families who have endured suffering due to the bandits’ actions. They stressed that holding perpetrators accountable is essential for upholding justice and maintaining the integrity of the government’s anti-banditry campaign.
The group remarked, “Turji’s hands are stained with the blood of innocent citizens; he has caused immense suffering and destruction in North-West Nigeria. Reconciling with him would be a slap in the face of his victims and their families.”
They further commended the ongoing military operations in affected areas such as Shinkafi in Zamfara State and Jibia in Katsina, urging that these efforts, including air and ground attacks, be sustained for optimal results.
The group continued, “Reconciling with those who have perpetrated heinous crimes without holding them accountable would be a miscarriage of justice and a disservice to the nation.”
They underscored that the primary duty of any government is to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. They urged President Tinubu to prioritize this responsibility and avoid actions that might compromise it, warning that failing to do so would represent a failure in leadership and a betrayal of public trust.
The Arewa Elders Progressive Group called for justice to be served for the victims and their families, insisting that those responsible for banditry must face the full force of the law. Their stance reflects a broader demand for accountability and a robust response to the ongoing security challenges in the region.
In summary, the Arewa Elders Progressive Group has issued a strong statement against any potential reconciliation with bandit Bello Turji, emphasizing that such actions would undermine the fight against banditry and betray the victims.
They have called for continued military efforts and justice for those affected by the bandits’ crimes, reinforcing the need for a firm stance against such violence.
