In a newly released video obtained by The Spectacles, notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji has accused former Zamfara State governor Ahmad Sani Yarima of being the mastermind behind the banditry crisis that has ravaged the region. Turji, who is wanted for various acts of terrorism in Zamfara and neighboring states, directly blamed Yarima for laying the groundwork for the rise of banditry during his tenure as governor from 1999 to 2007.
According to Turji, Yarima facilitated the creation of two influential groups—Bala Mai Gora and Dankurma, operating in the Yargaladima area within the Dansadau emirate. These groups, Turji alleged, consisted of vigilantes such as the ‘Yansakai’ and ‘Yan Banga,’ who were responsible for widespread violence against the Fulani communities. Turji claimed these vigilantes were involved in the abuse, persecution, and killing of Fulani people in the region, with the backing of local police forces and traditional rulers, who allegedly turned a blind eye to the atrocities committed.
The terrorist leader also stated that the banditry crisis, which began in Zamfara, gradually spread to neighboring states, including Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger, all of which, he claims, trace the origins of their insecurity to actions taken during Yarima’s administration.
Furthermore, Turji dismissed accusations that politicians like former Zamfara governor Bello Matawalle and Dauda Lawal were sponsoring banditry. He argued that these allegations were politically motivated, arising from the current political climate, where opposition forces seek to tarnish their reputations.
Turji also criticized the leadership of the Fulani socio-cultural group, Miyetti Allah, and other Fulani elites who have distanced themselves from the ongoing violence. He condemned their reluctance to acknowledge the root causes of the banditry affecting their communities, suggesting that they should address the issue rather than remain silent.
Turji’s statements come at a time when Zamfara and other northern states continue to grapple with escalating violence, kidnappings, and armed banditry, further complicating efforts to restore peace and security in the region. His accusations against Yarima, a prominent figure in the region, add another layer of complexity to the conflict that has destabilized much of northwestern Nigeria.
Yerima was the first Nigerian governor to implement Sharia law in his state, with it coming into effect on January 27, 2000. The first punishment under this system was carried out in Zamfara State against a notorious Fulani cattle rustler, Buba Bello Kare Garke. His hand was amputated as ordered by an Islamic Sharia court, marking the first and only such punishment (Haddi) since the introduction of the Sharia penal code in the state. The amputation took place on the grounds of a state hospital in the town of Talata-Mafara.
The former governor, Yarima, has yet to respond to these allegations. However, his administration’s legacy, including the introduction of Sharia law in Zamfara, continues to generate debate over its long-term impact on the state.
