Shinkafi Warns Tinubu of Imminent Danger as Bello Turji Threatens Zamfara, Sokoto
Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take the recent threats from notorious bandit leader Bello Turji seriously. Shinkafi’s appeal follows the release of a video by Turji, in which he dared security forces to release his cousin, Bello Wurge, who had been arrested at Shinkafi General Hospital.
Addressing newsmen in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, Shinkafi expressed deep concern over Turji’s threats to unleash further violence on towns and villages in Shinkafi and Zurmi in Zamfara State, as well as Isa communities in Sokoto State. In the video, Turji also vowed to revive the kidnapping activities in these areas, which have seen a resurgence of ransom-based abductions.
Shinkafi pointed out that Turji’s threats had exacerbated the already tense situation, with residents of affected villages starting to flee to major towns for safety. He urged key stakeholders from both Sokoto and Zamfara states to form a united front and approach President Tinubu for immediate intervention to prevent further violence.
“We need to act now; the issue of banditry goes beyond political affiliation. Those who matter should act now by forming a committee to meet President Tinubu for prompt action,” Shinkafi said. He stressed that it is the government’s duty to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens, warning that failure to address the situation could result in the destruction of many towns and villages in the region.
Shinkafi also criticized the lack of decisive action against the bandits, accusing security agencies of complicity in allowing notorious criminals to operate with impunity. He called for a forceful military intervention to clear the bandits from the region, ensuring that farmers can return to their fields and resume agricultural activities.
Shinkafi revealed that over 85% of Zamfara’s farmland was left uncultivated during the rainy season due to the ongoing banditry. He called for urgent steps to restore peace and allow for the resumption of farming activities, which are vital to the state’s economy.
