I’m not a rapist, says banditry kingpin, Turji

Bello Turji, a notorious bandit in Zamfara State, says he is not a rapist.

In an interview with Daily Trust, Turji, who has been blamed for many of the atrocities in the North West, denied allegations levelled against him.

“People can say what they want. But about rape, there are women here as well. If I am a rapist, I would have started with them. They want the Fulani to be attacked; we don’t know about any case of rape.”

“If for instance, you take the case of Kano State, is it Turji that is responsible for all the rape cases there? If you are sensible you will know what is beyond the common man.”

On why he took up arms, Turji said, “My fellow Fulani were killed and over one thousand cattle rustled and taken to Zurmi from where they were taken to Maradun. The emir of Shinkafi is aware of this, the emir of Zurmi too is aware and all security agents at the time knew that. When I realized that I have no one to complain to, and no authority will help us, there was no option when Fulani are being massacred. We will not allow the Fulani to be wiped out. That is why I picked up arms.”