Bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, has contacted a Sokoto-based Muslim cleric, Sheikh Murtala Na Assada, giving reasons why he launched a lethal campaign against the people in the area.
Sheikh Assada is one of the frontline clerics condemning the mass killings and kidnapping by the bandit kingpin.
In the 9 -minute audio message sent to the cleric through WhatsApp, the terrorist who masterminded the slaughter and maiming of dozens citizens said he took up arms because of the activities of ‘Yan Sakai (volunteer vigilante) who were killing his kinsmen (Fulani) unjustifiably.
He said ‘Yan Sakai were hunting for innocent Fulani people in local markets across the state, decapitating them and burning their remains into ashes.
Turji complained that the Fulani were hacked to death for “minor offences” like theft of chickens, among others.
The terrorist, who has been on the run since a renewed military offensive on his hideout, boasted that “the military cannot do anything to us. We are not afraid of them.”
When contacted, Sheikh Assada confirmed receiving the message, but said he could not say exactly whether it was from Turji or any of his lieutenants.
He said this was not the first time he received such messages from bandits and he relayed them to the relevant authorities.
He, however, said this would not deter him from preaching against criminal activities until they denounce banditry.
The cleric further accused the bandits of insincerity, saying no amount of provocation could justify their action.
“They are just trying to justify their inhuman activities but it is not justifiable,” he said.
He also lampooned local, state and federal government for allowing the menace to drag for so long without tackling it headlong.
On January 5, the Federal Government had declared bandits as terrorists after weeks of court order on the matter.
A Federal High Court in Abuja presided by Justice Taiwo Taiwo had on November 25, 2021, granted an ex parte application by the Federal Government for bandits to be declared as terrorists.
