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The Digest:

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has acknowledged engaging in peace negotiations with the Zamfara State government under former Governor Bello Matawalle, but strongly denied receiving a ₦30 million payment.

Key Points:
  • Turji confirmed multiple peace meetings but refuted claims he was paid or given vehicles.
  • The denial responds to allegations by former peace facilitator Musa Kamarawa.
  • Turji swore he had "never owned up to five million naira" in his life.
  • He stated talks focused solely on ending violence, not personal enrichment.
  • Turji accused Kamarawa of violating confidence and spreading fabricated claims.
  • He blamed former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto for arming vigilantes and escalating the crisis.
  • The bandit leader called for the arrest and investigation of ex-governors Attahiru Bafarawa and Ahmed Sani Yerima.
The exchange exposes the deep layers of accusation and mistrust that complicate peace efforts, revealing how stability is negotiated not just with words, but amidst storms of blame and historical grievance.

Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, Punch Newspaper