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.
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