A prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Yusuf Asadus-Sunna, has revealed that his peace committee facilitated a truce between notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji and the Nigerian government, resulting in the release of 32 abductees and the surrender of weapons by Turji’s fighters.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, Asadus-Sunna stated that the peace initiative was motivated by the urgent need to end killings and kidnappings ravaging the North.

“There is blessing in reconciliation in Islam, that is why we entered into peace discussions,” the cleric said.

Asadus-Sunna disclosed that his committee, comprising over 20 Islamic scholars and government representatives, made three visits last month to Fakai, Kebbi State, where Turji and his top commanders are based.

“We endured great difficulties to reach them. On the day we visited Maberaya, heavy rains caused flooding and blocked the route. Some of us rolled up our trousers and waded through the river before riding motorcycles for hours through forests,” he narrated.

During the meetings, they urged the bandits to surrender their weapons and allow farmers unhindered access to farmlands.

“They surrendered their weapons during our meeting, which is a strong sign they want peace,” Asadus-Sunna added.

The cleric said 32 abductees were released, including women who delivered babies while in Turji’s custody.

“We risked our lives for this cause. May Allah reward us and allow the people to remember our efforts after our deaths,” he said.

Not All Fighters Ready For Peace

Despite the progress, Asadus-Sunna warned that the conflict is far from over, noting that other armed leaders like Dan Bakwalo, Dan Kanyawa, Malam Ila, and Black remain active.

“People think once Turji is neutralised, the crisis is over. But there are others. I saw and spoke with them,” he revealed.

He said some fighters have started turning on colleagues who resist peace talks, citing incidents where fellow fighters killed recruiters like Kachalla Musa and Kachalla Isa Doho.

The cleric emphasised that the negotiations were carried out with full government approval, praising President Bola Tinubu for backing peace initiatives.

“Anyone blaming the president for the security challenges is being unfair. He has given the North all the support it needs to resolve this crisis,” Asadus-Sunna said.

Over 500 armed fighters attended one of the meetings in Fakai, including boys as young as 10 armed with AK-47 rifles, he added.

Despite the peace talks, insecurity persists. On Tuesday, gunmen killed two commuters along the Shinkafi–Isa road, fueling doubts about the sustainability of the accord.

A source from Isa warned that without the active involvement of state and local governments, the peace may collapse.

“During one meeting, Turji asked if the Zamfara State Government was involved, warning that the accord wouldn’t last without their buy-in,” the source said.

Asadus-Sunna added that the ultimate goal is a total ceasefire, stating, “Many of the fighters are tired of the violence themselves. What the government now seeks is a complete cessation of hostilities. The time for genuine peace is now.”