By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Following the purported video of the bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji, seeking reconciliation with the Federal Government, a group, Northern Elders, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu to ignore such antics.
A statement, signed by Alhaji Mustafa Aliyu Dutsin Ma, North West Chairman of Arewa Elders Progressive Group made available on Thursday September 5, 2024, cautioned against any attempt to reconcile with those who have sponsored banditry, when the morale is now high, people are confident and happy with the operations going around.
The group believes that, Turji Bello is only pretending to be ready for reconciliation, considering the number of lives he and his gang have taken in the past few years of banditry in the North-West Nigeria.
“We, the North 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 notorious bandit, 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, xe 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 be served, and those responsible for these atrocities be held accountable.
“The relocation of minister of state defense, Bello Matawalle, Chief of Defense Staff, other service chiefs and senior military personnel has shown the commitment of FGN and yielded much positive results so far, going by the continued military attacks forcing some of the bandits 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 prioritize 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 prioritize 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,” the elders said.
