Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the rising cost of living in Nigeria, particularly the high prices of petrol and food. In a viral video, Turji, clad in military fatigues, made an impassioned plea for the government to ease the burden on ordinary citizens, citing complaints from the masses.
The video also served as an opportunity for Turji to debunk rumors that one of his men, identified as Beleru, had been killed. He dismissed the speculation, claiming that if any of his fighters had fallen, the public would hear about it from more reliable sources than the media.
Turji expressed concerns about the increasing hardship in the country, saying the elevated prices of essential commodities were affecting not just the masses but even the bandits themselves. He mentioned that commuting between areas like Shinkafi, Kantogora, and Sokoto had become particularly challenging due to the high cost of fuel.
This unexpected appeal from a prominent figure in Nigeria’s banditry crisis highlights the widespread frustration with the current economic situation. Prices of essential goods have skyrocketed since the removal of fuel subsidies, leaving many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet. Despite the controversial source of the plea, it underscores the urgency of addressing the nation’s economic challenges.
As the government continues its efforts to stabilize the economy, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond to this call for relief.