Turji: Youth Group Commends Matawalle-Led Fight Against Banditry6
By Juliet Vincent
In the wake of intensified military operations that have left notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji on the run and resulted in the killing of his son, the Youth for Emancipation of Zamfara (YFEZ) has commended the efforts of former Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, for his decisive contributions to combating banditry in the state and across the north.
The youth group, a prominent voice for grassroots development and security advocacy in Zamfara, praised Matawalle’s enduring commitment to restoring peace and stability in a region long plagued by insecurity. They highlighted his strategic leadership and proactive measures, which they believe laid the groundwork for recent successes in the war against banditry.
The Nigerian Armed Forces have recently turned up the heat on Turji, a feared figure linked to numerous acts of violence, including mass kidnappings, killings, and the displacement of communities.
Reports indicate that Turji’s son was neutralised during a military operation, while Turji himself reportedly sustained gunshot wounds and is currently on the run.
This development has been met with widespread celebration across Nigeria, with citizens hailing it as a significant victory in the ongoing battle against insecurity.
However, YFEZ expressed concern over the silence of some opposition politicians in Zamfara, who have refrained from acknowledging this critical milestone.
“It is disappointing that some political actors remain quiet while the nation celebrates progress in the fight against banditry,” said YFEZ President, Comrade Musa Yandoton.
“This is a moment for unity and recognition of all efforts contributing to this success, especially those spearheaded by Dr. Matawalle during his time as governor and now as Minister of State for Defence.”
Dr. Matawalle has been a pivotal figure in addressing the insecurity that has devastated Zamfara and the Northwest region for years.
During his tenure as governor, he implemented a multifaceted approach, combining dialogue with force to tackle bandit groups. His administration’s collaboration with security agencies resulted in the elimination of several notorious bandit leaders, including Halilu Sububu, whose reign of terror left many communities in fear.
“Matawalle’s leadership marked a turning point in the fight against banditry,” Yandoton stated. “His insights into the complexities of the crisis helped security agencies develop effective strategies, resulting in tangible successes that are still evident today.”
As Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle has continued to champion the cause of security in Zamfara and beyond. In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to rid the nation of all forms of criminality, he has been instrumental in coordinating efforts to dismantle the operational networks of bandit groups.
YFEZ emphasised the importance of a united front in the fight against insecurity. The group urged opposition politicians to set aside political differences and recognise the collective efforts that have contributed to recent successes.
“It would be kind to history if opposition politicians, especially in Zamfara, appreciated the impact of Matawalle’s leadership and the milestones achieved under his watch,” Yandoton remarked. “This is not about political affiliations; it is about securing the lives and livelihoods of our people.”
The group also called on all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community groups, and civil society organisations, to support ongoing military operations and contribute to the restoration of peace in Zamfara.
While acknowledging the progress made, YFEZ noted that the fight against banditry is far from over. They stressed the need for sustained military action, intelligence gathering, and community engagement to ensure long-term security in Zamfara and the entire Northwest region.
“The killing of Bello Turji’s son and the pursuit of the kingpin himself are significant steps, but they should not be seen as the end,” Yandoton cautioned.
“We must remain vigilant and committed to dismantling the entire network of criminality that has plagued our region.”
YFEZ also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of education, which often serve as breeding grounds for criminal activities. They called on the federal and state governments to invest in development initiatives that would uplift communities and provide alternatives to lives of crime.
The youth group expressed optimism about the future, citing the recent successes as evidence that the tide is turning against banditry. They urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and supportive of ongoing efforts to secure the nation.
“Matawalle’s vision and leadership, coupled with the determination of our security forces and the resilience of our communities, give us hope for a better tomorrow,” Yandoton concluded. “Together, we can overcome this challenge and build a Zamfara and indeed Nigeria where peace and prosperity reign.”
As the military continues its operations against Turji and his cohorts, YFEZ call for unity and appreciation of past and present efforts serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility required to secure Zamfara and the entire nation.
