Northern Elders have advised President Bola Tinubu against entertaining a reconciliation plea from Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader. Alhaji Mustafa Dutsima, Chairman of the Arewa Elders Progressive Group, emphasized that reconciling with individuals who have committed severe crimes would betray public trust.
In a statement issued in Kaduna, Dutsima cautioned President Tinubu to reject any attempts at reconciliation with Turji, arguing that such a move would undermine the government’s efforts to combat banditry. He criticized Turji’s plea as a deceptive tactic, given his history of violence and the significant number of lives lost due to his gang’s activities.
Dutsima commended the ongoing military operations in the north and urged the forces to maintain their pressure on bandit groups. He stressed that offering reconciliation without ensuring accountability for past crimes would be a grave injustice to the victims and their families.
The Chairman highlighted the federal government’s commitment to addressing banditry, noting the relocation of key military and defense personnel to affected regions as a positive step. He emphasized that prioritizing national security and holding criminals accountable is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of citizens.
Dutsima concluded by urging President Tinubu to focus on strengthening security measures and rejecting any actions that could compromise the nation’s stability and justice.
