In a direct and pointed response to renewed peace overtures from notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, the Security Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), has issued a public challenge: prove your sincerity by ending the violence and releasing all captives—immediately.
The retired army colonel’s statement on Sunday comes on the heels of an audio recording circulating on social media, in which Turji claimed he was ready to embrace peace and urged other armed groups in the region to enter into dialogue.
While many have cautiously welcomed the message as a potential breakthrough, Col. Usman made it clear that the Sokoto State Government would not be swayed by words alone.
“If Turji is genuinely committed to peace, he must prove it by stopping all forms of violence and releasing innocent civilians being held captive,” Usman declared.
Describing the peace claim as a “potential turning point,” Usman said any dialogue must be rooted in trust and tangible steps, not hollow rhetoric. He emphasized that the safety of Sokoto’s rural population remains Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s top priority.
“There can be no true dialogue while communities continue to live in fear and captivity. Peace begins with concrete steps that build trust,” he added.
While reaffirming Sokoto’s openness to a credible peace process, the Security Adviser warned that the government would not tolerate criminality disguised as negotiation.
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“We are ready to support any sincere move toward peace. But banditry cannot be legitimized. There is no room for peace with a gun to the heads of innocent people,” Usman stated.
He also called on community leaders, religious scholars, civil society organizations, and traditional institutions to remain united in the quest for lasting peace, and to hold armed actors accountable.
Col. Usman ended his remarks with a powerful appeal to Turji and his followers:
“This is a chance to end the suffering. Let it begin with the safe return of all abducted individuals. Only then can any talk of peace be taken seriously.”
As insecurity continues to plague several North-Western states, the government’s position remains unchanged: lasting peace is possible, but only when the violence ends, and justice is served.