Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has accused two former governors from northern Nigeria of playing key roles in the insecurity that has plagued parts of the North-West for years.

He claimed their actions while in office laid the foundation for the violence currently affecting Zamfara and Sokoto states.

Turji made the allegation in a video that surfaced on Wednesday, where he openly blamed past political leadership in both states for escalating the crisis.

He said policies adopted by the former administrations worsened ethnic tensions and encouraged violence rather than peace.

In the video, the bandit leader also addressed claims surrounding peace meetings held during a former Zamfara State administration.

He confirmed that discussions took place between bandits and the state government at the time. However, he strongly denied receiving any money or material benefits for his participation.

Turji dismissed reports that he collected N30 million during the peace process. He insisted the allegation was false and described it as an attempt to discredit him.

According to him, the meetings were purely aimed at reducing bloodshed and restoring calm in affected communities.

“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira. What I am doing is not for personal gain. We were never given the N30 million you are talking about.”

The bandit leader further accused a former peace negotiator, Musa Kamarawa, of spreading falsehoods. He said Kamarawa betrayed the trust built during negotiations by alleging that money exchanged hands.

“When the Zamfara State government appointed you, we agreed on peace. But what you are saying now is full of lies and deceit. I did not even receive three million naira,” Turji stated.

He also rejected suggestions that he was acting on behalf of any political figure or interest group. According to him, his actions were not influenced by politicians.

“We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians. There is no human being backing us.”

Turji went further to accuse the former governors of supporting vigilante groups, popularly known as ‘Yan Banga’.

He alleged that these groups targeted Fulani communities and contributed to the cycle of reprisals and violence across the region.

“We openly say that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states are responsible for the calamities that befell these states.”

Efforts to reach the two former governors for their reactions were unsuccessful. Calls, text messages and WhatsApp messages sent to them were not returned as of press time.

However, individuals close to the former governors dismissed Turji’s claims. They questioned the credibility of a known bandit and described his statements as deliberate falsehoods aimed at portraying himself as a victim.

Meanwhile, Nigerian security agencies continue to list Bello Turji as one of the most dangerous bandit leaders operating in the North-West. He remains wanted for several terror-related activities linked to mass killings and abductions.