Banditry victims in north-west write Tinubu, ask president to curb killings

Families affected by banditry in the north-west have asked President Bola Tinubu to intervene. 

The families, under the aegis of ‘Coalition of Families Affected by Banditry’, said years of violent attacks had left their communities devastated, with many losing relatives, homes and livelihoods.

In a letter addressed to the president in Abuja, the group said it was compelled to seek presidential intervention after exhausting domestic avenues for justice, which it claimed were often met with inaction.

The coalition said its request followed allegations made by Bello Turji, a notorious terror kingpin operating in the north-west, in a video circulated in December 2025, where he claimed that policies implemented under past administrations in Zamfara and Sokoto states helped fuel the insecurity currently plaguing the north-west region.

The letter was signed by Otuba Rawene, the chairperson; Sani Usman, secretary; Hadijat Abdullahi, public relations officer; and 20 other members of the coalition.

“Many of us have lost loved ones in brutal killings, seen family members abducted, or been forced to flee our homes, leaving behind livelihoods and communities destroyed by violence,” the group said.

“We write to your excellency with a profound sense of urgency and responsibility, seeking your support in addressing grave allegations recently made public by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.

“While we acknowledge that Bello Turji is a wanted criminal responsible for countless atrocities, including the deaths of many of our relatives, we believe these allegations warrant serious and impartial scrutiny.

“As the proverb goes, ‘where there is smoke, there is fire.’ Having exhausted domestic avenues for justice often met with inaction or allegations being dismissed, we turn to the President, a steadfast champion of human rights and accountability, as our last hope for uncovering the truth and ensuring justice prevails.”

The families said the scale of suffering caused by banditry in the north-west had reached alarming levels, with widespread displacement, economic losses and trauma.

“These attacks have displaced hundreds of thousands, disrupted agriculture and trade, deepened poverty, and inflicted lasting trauma on survivors. Communities live in constant fear, with bandits imposing illegal levies and operating with impunity,” the group said.

The coalition urged the federal government to take decisive steps to break what it described as a cycle of violence and impunity.

“As victims seeking justice and an end to this cycle of violence, we implore the Nigerian government to publicly launch a prompt, independent, and thorough investigation into Bello Turji’s allegations against the named former governors,” the letter said.

“Offer technical assistance or support international oversight to ensure the probe is credible and free from political interference.

“Advocate for broader measures to address impunity, including sanctions if evidence of complicity in serious crimes emerges.

“We firmly believe that accountability for those who may have contributed to this crisis, regardless of their status, is essential to breaking the cycle of violence and restoring peace.”