In a direct and resolute message to the federal government, the Arewa Elders Progressive Group has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately halt any peace negotiations with notorious bandits, including Bello Turji, who have wreaked havoc across the northwest region of Nigeria. This urgent appeal was shared via The Punch Newspaper’s official X handle, signaling a growing concern from Northern elders over the government’s approach to tackling insecurity.
The Arewa elders emphasized that engaging in peace talks with criminals like Turji and his cohorts undermines the rule of law and could embolden other criminal groups, who may see such negotiations as a path to legitimacy and power. They cautioned that instead of fostering peace, such discussions would send the wrong message—that terrorism, violence, and banditry are negotiable under the current administration.
“President Tinubu must resist any pressure to engage in reconciliation with those who have caused so much pain and suffering to our people,” the statement read. “The victims of these ruthless bandits deserve justice, not dialogue.”
The Arewa Elders also expressed deep frustration with the ongoing security challenges in the region, noting that the constant attacks, kidnappings, and destruction of livelihoods have left communities in fear and desperation. They urged the Tinubu administration to adopt a firm, justice-driven approach that holds criminals accountable and restores peace through decisive military and security interventions, rather than through appeasement or negotiations.
Banditry has been a long-standing issue in Nigeria’s northwestern region, with groups like Bello Turji’s network accused of carrying out brutal attacks on villages, looting, and abducting hundreds for ransom. The Arewa Elders warned that engaging with such groups in peace talks could undermine the confidence of law-abiding citizens and security forces who are risking their lives to combat these threats.
“We must prioritize the safety and security of innocent Nigerians. There should be no room for negotiations with criminals who have terrorized our communities,” the group further stated, urging President Tinubu to instead focus on strengthening the military’s capacity to decisively deal with banditry and terrorism.
The call from the Arewa Elders echoes the sentiment of many in the region, who have become increasingly disillusioned with the prolonged violence and the perceived leniency shown towards those responsible for the terror. As Nigeria grapples with widespread insecurity, this plea underscores the demand for a robust and justice-driven approach to restoring peace in the troubled northwest.
“The time for action is now,” the Arewa Elders concluded, urging President Tinubu to abandon any plans for dialogue and instead pursue a strategy that will finally bring justice and lasting peace to the region.
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