In a shocking revelation, notorious banditry leader Bello Turji has traced the roots of the violent conflict in Zamfara State to vigilante attacks on Fulani and Hausa communities. Turji recounted that his group's initial arsenal consisted of only 30 guns, but the cycle of violence escalated in response to vigilante killings in areas like Zurmi and Shinkafi.
According to Punch, he vividly recalled how the vigilantes' indiscriminate killing of Fulanis fostered a sense of injustice and persecution among his group, leading them to take up arms in retaliation. Turji emphasized that their violent actions were driven by a desire for revenge and a feeling of being unfairly targeted.
This rare account sheds light on the complex dynamics fueling the conflict in Zamfara, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to address the underlying grievances and end the cycle of violence. Turji's confession offers a glimpse into the motivations behind the banditry and underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict to achieve lasting peace.