Bello Turji Kachalla, a notorious bandits leader operating in northwest Nigeria, has accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of complicity in supporting terrorism in the country.
In a recently released video, Turji alleged that the current security issues in Nigeria are backed by Matawalle, who is the immediate past governor of Zamfara state.
Turji, who has led several violent attacks including a massacre of over 200 people in Zamfara State, claimed to have evidence supporting his accusations.
Speaking in Hausa, Turji stated, “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.”
Turji asserted that the former Zamfara government facilitated negotiations with bandits but also sabotaged efforts for peace.
He accused several individuals from the Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Issah communities of being complicit and mentioned specific names such as Kabiru Maniya and Bashari Maniya, alleging their involvement in harbouring weapons and coordinating attacks.
He further alleged that some ‘repentant’ bandits were living freely in Sokoto state while still possessing a significant number of weapons.
Turji claimed that these individuals, despite their supposed cooperation with government forces, continued to facilitate attacks by advising security forces to vacate certain areas.
“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,” he added.
Too bad, the notorious bandit “Bello Turji” on another shocking revelation. pic.twitter.com/01iF1XMEhV
— Honorable Garba Yusuf (@HonGarbaYusuf) July 20, 2024
Well , Bandit Bello Tunji Kachalla, you are lucky for being a Nigerian living in Nigeria where all manner of atrocities is possible. Imagine government negotiating with bandits? Imagine security operatives cooperating with bandits and there’s no consequence for their betrayal? This is Nigeria! I said you are lucky because in a sane county,you dare not commit all the atrocities they claim you av committed and still be alive today. The alleged Trump shooter was eliminated immediately. No mercy. It it were to be in Nigeria, the police will arrest him, extort him & his family, big lawyers will chop chop & chip in the name of defending him in court and at last judges will compromise, collect bribe and free him. This is Naija! At the same time, I pity you Mr bandit Bello Tunji Kachalla sir because you are a Nigerian living in Nigeria because if you are born elsewhere in saner climes, you might not have even become a bandit in the first place. You might be doing well in your chosen field,say in the military because of your boldness. So you are a bandit today because your country, my country and our country made you so. In other words, Nigeria has Nigeriaed you. What a country!