The Security Adviser to Sokoto State Governor, Colonel Ahmed Usman (retd), has urged notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, to prove his recent peace overtures with concrete actions by halting all attacks and releasing kidnapped victims unconditionally.
Naijaonpoint reports that Usman’s remarks on Sunday came in response to a widely circulated audio message in which Turji expressed readiness for dialogue and encouraged other bandit leaders to embrace peace.
While acknowledging Turji’s remarks as a potential breakthrough, Col. Usman said Sokoto State would not be swayed by words alone.
The retired military officer said, “If Turji is genuinely committed to peace, he must prove it by stopping all forms of violence and releasing innocent civilians being held captive.”
He stressed that the safety and well-being of rural dwellers remain a top priority for the Governor Ahmed Aliyu-led administration and insisted that peace cannot be negotiated under the shadow of continued violence.
Usman further stated, “There can be no true dialogue while communities continue to live in fear and captivity. Peace begins with concrete steps that build trust.”
The security adviser warned that the state government would not tolerate criminality disguised as negotiation, no matter how diplomatically presented.
He said, “We are open to any credible peace process, but that does not mean we will look away while innocent lives are lost and families torn apart.”
According to him, Sokoto residents deserve security and dignity, not recurring trauma from relentless attacks and abductions.
Col. Usman called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, and community stakeholders to support the state’s ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace.
He urged collective vigilance and unity, describing peacebuilding as a shared responsibility that extends beyond the actions of governments.
He added, “This is a chance to end the suffering. Let it begin with the safe return of all abducted individuals.”