Bello Turji, a well-known terrorist figure, has released 32 persons who were previously kidnapped and has committed to ceasing attacks on local farmers, following a series of discussions with Islamic clerics at his hideout in Zamfara State.
This announcement was made on Monday, August 4, 2025, by Cleric Musa Yusuf, also referred to as Asadus-Sunnah, during a religious assembly held in Kaduna State.
Cleric Yusuf stated that the agreement included the surrender of certain weapons by Turji, representing a significant step towards achieving peace in the troubled Shinkafi Local Government Area.
He disclosed that the negotiations, which took place in July within the Fakai forest, involved Turji along with other prominent figures such as Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila, each of whom accepted the proposed terms for peace to ensure the safe access of farmers to their lands.
According to unverified sources, Yusuf stated, "We engaged with Mr. Turji, Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila. The rumors regarding Dan Bakkolo's death are unfounded. These individuals have been responsible for the ongoing terror in the region, and they have all agreed to the peace proposals, which include their commitment to surrendering some of their arms to demonstrate their dedication to the peace process.
"The arms were surrendered in three separate phases at different intervals, and the residents of Shinkafi have been permitted to access their farms in the forest across the river leading to Mr. Turji's enclave. We reached a consensus that the Fulani community must be allowed to enter towns without facing discrimination or violence from vigilante groups.
"Furthermore, Mr. Turji released 32 kidnapped individuals as part of the peace initiative," Mr. Yusuf remarked while displaying a video showcasing some freed captives and the challenging terrain they navigated to reach Mr. Turji's camp.
He noted that the released individuals, who included women and children, had endured approximately four months of captivity. He mentioned that some women gave birth during their confinement, and one individual suffered a snake bite.
Yusuf concluded by stating that since the implementation of the agreement, the Shinkafi axis has experienced a notable reduction in violence, allowing local residents to cultivate their farmlands without the apprehension of kidnapping.