Following the viral video of the bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji, seeking dialogue and reconciliation with the Federal Government, some Northern elders have cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore the offer as it would put Nigeria’s security at stake.
Chairman of Arewa Elders’ Progressive Group, North-West Nigeria, Alhaji Mustafa Aliyu Dutsinma, warned in a statement on Thursday against any move to dialogue and reconcile with bandits or those sponsoring banditry, especially now.
The group believed that Turji was only pretending, stating that he has destroyed quite a number of lives along with his gang in the past few years of banditry in the North-West part of Nigeria.
According to the statement: “We, the Northern elders are compelled to address a pressing issue that threatens the security and stability of our nation.
“Recent reports suggest that President Tinubu is considering reconciling with the notorious bandit, Bello Turji and his cohorts.
“We strongly advise against this move, as it would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the government’s efforts to combat banditry.
“Reconciling with those who have perpetrated heinous crimes against innocent citizens would be a betrayal of public trust.
“While commending the efforts of the military operations going on so far in some villages of Shinkafi and Jibia, especially air and ground attacks, we want it to be sustained for effective results.
“This would be a slap in the face of victims and their families, who have suffered unimaginable trauma and loss.
“We demand that justice should be served, and those responsible for the atrocities held accountable.
“The relocation of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff, other service chiefs and senior military personnel has shown the commitment of the Federal Government and it has yielded much positive results so far, going by the continued military attacks, forcing some of the bandits to retreat in other places.
“Therefore, reconciliation without accountability would be a miscarriage of justice and a disservice to the nation.
“The primary responsibility of any government is to ensure the security and safety of its citizens. We urge President Tinubu to prioritise this responsibility and avoid any actions that may compromise it.
“Turji and his cohorts have committed unspeakable crimes, including murder, kidnapping and destruction of property. They must face the full weight of the law, rather than being offered a reconciliatory olive branch.
“We must prioritise national security over any attempts at reconciliation. The safety of our citizens and the integrity of our nation depend on it.
“We, therefore, call on President Tinubu to ensure that those responsible for banditry are held accountable for their actions. Anything less, would be a failure of leadership and a betrayal of public trust.”