Tinubu’s Administration and the Backing of Terrorism
In recent times, Nigeria has been plunged into a vortex of violence and insecurity, a reality starkly brought to light by the allegations made by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji. These claims, detailing the complicity of high-ranking officials in backing terrorism, demand urgent attention and decisive action. The involvement of the immediate past governor of Zamfara State and current Minister of State for Defence in Tinubu’s administration, Bello Matawalle, in these heinous activities, casts a dark shadow over Tinubu’s administration.
The Allegations: A Nation’s Cry for Justice
Bello Turji, a figure synonymous with terror in Northern Nigeria, has laid bare the extent of the government’s involvement in fostering insecurity. In a damning video obtained by SaharaReporters, Turji accuses the Zamfara State government under Matawalle of not only negotiating with bandits but also providing them with arms and vehicles. This revelation is a chilling confirmation of the state’s role in perpetuating violence.
Complicity in Terrorism
Turji’s accusations are not mere fabrications. His detailed account includes:
- Evidence of Negotiations: The past government, under Matawalle, engaged in negotiations with bandits, which Turji claims were sabotaged to maintain the status quo of terror.
- Provision of Arms and Vehicles: Matawalle reportedly donated 15 brand new Hilux vehicles to leaders of various ‘repentant’ bandit groups and approved millions of naira as compensation.
- Sabotage of Peace Efforts: Turji highlights how peace negotiations were undermined by those in power, ensuring the continuation of violence and bloodshed.
Speaking in Hausa, he said, “My name is Muhammed Bello Turji, and I am releasing this video to reach all Nigerians, from the leaders to the poor. This is the message I want to convey to everyone.
“The issue of insecurity plaguing our country has the full backing of the immediate past Government of Zamfara State. I have evidence to support this claim. The past government, under His Excellency Bello Mattawallen Maradun (State Minister of Defence), is well-known to everyone in the region.”
“This government has been complicit in backing terrorism. There are individuals from Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Issah who cannot deny this video.”
“Many Nigerians, for example those in Bauchi or Kaduna, may not be aware of the problems in Zamfara. However, I want to assure the federal government that if they are unaware, I will provide names, details, and evidence. I urge them to investigate the past actions of these individuals and their discussions with them. As a citizen of this zone, (North West) I swear before God that I speak the truth.”
“The past Government of Zamfara, under Mattawalle, facilitated negotiations but also sabotaged efforts. There were multiple negotiations, but the dialogue did not succeed because everyone in Shinkafi and Isah knows the truth. The late Dillu, for example, was chased away by me because he refused to allow peace to reign in Shinkafi. They possessed more than 200 rifles, and Mattawalle invited them to the government house. If I am lying, there are still in people in the government house that can explain this.”
“When we killed Dillu, Kabiru Maniya should explain where the federal or the Zamfara and Sokoto state governments had a dialogue with him to drop his arms. Bashari Maniya should also tell us where he hide his weapons. Everyone knows that they have over 300 rifles, of which I took 30 from them. Let them come out and tell the truth about what is going on.”
“As we speak, they are in Sokoto city. People like Malam Murtala Asada (Islamic Scholar) has been saying that there are other Turjis (Bandits) walking freely in the city of Sokoto, Referring to Maniya and his cohort who supposedly has over 300 rifles hidden somewhere.”
“There are bandit leaders with their boys hiding in various enclaves with weapons ranging from 150 to 300 rifles, but they now claimed to be working with government forces as repentant. And whenever bandits want to attacks any location, they will advise the security to vacate areas in Sokoto to allow the attacks to take place. If I am lying, the people of Mai Lalle should come out and deny that they are not constantly being attacked.”
“The bandits attacking them are from the enclave of Shehu in Gonbro forest, in Sokoto. Dan Maigari, the brother to Bashari, has 150 rifles and has coordinated several attacks in Maradun. Ali, a boy to Kabiru Mani, is attacking Tangaza, and these are people living lavishly and freely in Sokoto state capital. Kabiru, Buhari, and others are living lavish lives in Sokoto.”
“Within the last three weeks, Buhari’s brother was said to have captured weapon inside Sokoto. If I am lying, they should come out and debunked it. But I can provide proof of Buhari shooting a GPMG. They should explain to us who gave those boys the arms they are using. The government should explain this to Nigerians and stop accusing Bello Turji of killing and kidnapping people. Those being kidnapped around Sokoto, Achida, and Goronyo—who is kidnapping them? Turji, is currently living peacefully in Shinkafi, is not responsible.”
“Let the government come out and take responsibility for some of the atrocities being committed and stop falsely accusing others.”
In 2022, SaharaReporters exclusively reported how Matawalle as Zamfara governor donated 15 brand new Hilux vehicles to leaders of different ‘repentant’ banditry groups in the state.
The Human Cost: A Tragedy Unfolding
The human toll of these actions is staggering. From January 4 to 6, 2022, over 200 people, including women and children, were massacred in Zamfara State. The complicity of government officials in such atrocities is a grave violation of human rights and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.
The Impact on Women and Children
The most vulnerable segments of society bear the brunt of this violence. Women and children, caught in the crossfire, suffer unimaginable horrors. The trauma and displacement caused by these attacks have long-lasting effects, exacerbating the cycle of poverty and instability.
Economic Devastation: The Price of Insecurity
The economic ramifications of the government’s complicity in terrorism are profound. The destabilization of Northern Nigeria, a region critical to the nation’s agricultural output, has dire consequences for food security and economic stability.
Agricultural Collapse
The persistent attacks have led to:
- Displacement of Farmers: Many farmers have fled their lands, leading to a significant drop in agricultural productivity.
- Disruption of Supply Chains: The insecurity hampers the transportation of goods, inflating food prices and causing shortages.
- Loss of Livelihoods: The destruction of crops and livestock results in loss of income, pushing families deeper into poverty.
National Economic Impact
The broader economic impact includes:
- Increased Security Spending: Resources that could be used for development are diverted to security measures.
- Foreign Investment Withdrawal: The volatile environment deters foreign investors, stalling economic growth.
- Tourism Decline: The perception of Nigeria as a dangerous destination leads to a decline in tourism, further affecting revenue.
A Call to Action: Nigerians Must Rise
The revelations by Turji underscore the urgent need for Nigerians to take a stand against Tinubu’s administration. The government’s support for terrorism is not just a local issue; it threatens the very fabric of the nation. It is imperative that all Nigerians, irrespective of their backgrounds, unite in protest against these acts of inhumanity.
Mobilizing for Change
Nigerians must:
- Protest Peacefully: Organize nationwide protests to demand accountability and justice.
- Engage International Bodies: Appeal to international human rights organizations to investigate and address the complicity of Nigerian officials in terrorism.
The Path Forward: Rebuilding Nigeria
The path forward is fraught with challenges, but it is not insurmountable. By addressing the root causes of insecurity and holding those in power accountable, Nigeria can begin to heal and rebuild.
Strengthening Institutions
To prevent a recurrence of these issues, it is essential to:
- Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Enact laws that provide stringent penalties for government officials found complicit in terrorism.
- Empower Civil Society: Support civil society organizations in their efforts to monitor and report on government activities.
- Enhance Community Policing: Implement community policing initiatives to build trust between security forces and local communities.
Promoting Social Justice
Addressing the underlying social issues is crucial:
- Education and Empowerment: Invest in education and empowerment programs for the youth to prevent them from being lured into terrorism.
- Economic Opportunities: Create job opportunities and provide economic support to regions affected by violence.
- Reconciliation Efforts: Promote reconciliation efforts to heal the divisions caused by years of violence and mistrust.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action
The allegations against Tinubu’s administration are a clarion call for immediate and decisive action. The complicity of government officials in fostering terrorism is a betrayal of the Nigerian people’s trust and a grave violation of human rights. It is imperative that all Nigerians rise up in protest, demand accountability, and work towards rebuilding a nation free from the scourge of terrorism. The future of Nigeria depends on the actions taken today. Let us unite and fight for a just, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
