In a recent statement, notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji has asserted that his group’s actions are divinely sanctioned, denying allegations that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, is backing his operations. Turji’s remarks come amid a heated dispute between Matawalle and his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, over accusations of supporting terrorism in Zamfara State.
Turji’s declaration, observers suggest, clears Matawalle of any involvement in the state’s banditry crisis. Both Matawalle and Lawal have publicly exchanged accusations, with Matawalle recently challenging Lawal to swear on the Quran that he is not connected to the ongoing violence in the state.
In his latest video, Turji dismissed claims of political backing, stating: “Governor Dauda Lawal accusing Bello Matawalle of being a terrorist sponsor won’t solve anything. When Matawalle was governor, who was sponsoring us? Likewise, when Abdulaziz Yari was governor, who was sponsoring us? No one is supporting us except God.”
This statement further complicates the ongoing debate surrounding the state’s security situation and the alleged involvement of political figures in the crisis.
