By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Notorious Zamfara terror leader Bello Turji has released 32 kidnapped persons and agreed to suspend attacks on farmers following peace talks with a group of Islamic clerics. The breakthrough was disclosed by Kaduna-based cleric Musa Yusuf, also known as Asadus-Sunnah, during a religious event on Monday.
Yusuf said residents of Shinkafi Local Government Area had approached his team of clerics to help mediate with Turji and his men, seeking permission for locals to return to their farmlands in the forest. According to him, three meetings were held in July within the Fakai forest, a known stronghold of the terror group.
During the talks, Turji and other notorious figures – Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila – participated. Contrary to widespread reports, Yusuf clarified that Dan Bakkolo is alive and took part in the discussions. He noted that all parties agreed to key peace terms, including the symbolic surrender of some weapons and the safe return of Shinkafi farmers to their farmlands.
“The arms were handed over in three stages to show sincerity,” Yusuf said. “The agreement also ensures Fulani people can access townships without fear of profiling or attacks by vigilantes.”
As part of the truce, Turji reportedly released 32 captives – women and children – some of whom had spent up to four months in captivity. Yusuf shared a video showing the freed individuals navigating difficult terrain while leaving Turji’s camp. He noted that some women gave birth in captivity, while one suffered a snake bite.
Yusuf stated that since the peace accord, residents in Shinkafi have resumed farming activities without the constant fear of abduction. While praising the relative calm, he clarified that Turji has not been asked to surrender all his weapons due to fears he could be targeted by rival armed factions opposed to the peace process.
He also urged fellow clerics to avoid inflammatory online comments about Turji, warning that such rhetoric could undermine the fragile peace.
Yusuf acknowledged that the deal will not end terrorism in Zamfara entirely, but stressed that communities under Turji’s control are now enjoying a level of safety they had not experienced in years. Negotiations, he said, are still ongoing to convince Turji to embrace lasting peace.
