A notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, has tackled a prominent Nigerian human rights advocate and expert on violent extremism in Sub-Saharan Africa, Bulama Bukarti, over his criticisms against the imposition of N30 million ransom on Moriki community of Zamfara State by the terrorist.
Mr Bukarti, during a Sunday live discussion programme Fashin Baki, disclosed that Mr Turji imposed the fine due alleged killing of his cattle by the Nigerian Army.
Mr Bukarti, who is a vice president at Bridgeway Foundation, said each family head was required to contribute N10,000, while unmarried adults N2,000.
The people of Moriki Town of Zamfara State have managed to convince Bello Turji to reduce the ransom he imposed on them from N50 million to N30 million, with a Wednesday deadline for payment. This sum is supposedly a compensation for the killing of Turji’s cows by the new commandant of the army base stationed in Moriki.
“Each family head is required to contribute N10,000, while unmarried adults must pay N2,000.
“Despite the commandant’s advice not to pay and his promise never to harm Turji’s animals again, the people remain doubtful.
“They fear that if they fail to meet this extortion demand, Turji will unleash violence upon them, with no one to protect them from his brutality.
Currently, around 15 local politicians and social activists are in Turji’s captivity, and they were abducted from within Moriki despite the presence of soldiers.
“This is the grim reality Nigeria has been reduced to,” Mr Bukarti wrote on his X handle.
Responding to the analyst, Mr Turji, in a fresh video released Wednesday, justified the imposition of the fine.
According to the terrorist, the ransom was imposed in protest against the injustice meted out on his tribe by the Nigerian troops.
Mr Turji said: “This video is to reiterate our position. I know it might be okay for some people while some would feel otherwise.
“It is on this note that I am appealing to those who are angry to be patient with us because no man can change what God has ordained.
“I saw Bulama Bukarti saying Bello Turji has imposed tax on the people of Moriki. No doubt, what he said is correct. Everything he said is true.
However, I disagree with one thing he said. He said I imposed the tax because my cattle were killed. That’s not true.
I will urge (Bulama) to reach out to my people and hear their side of the story before passing judgement.
You can’t pass judgement based on a single narrative…” he said.
The terrorist leader also called on the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, whom he described as their “leader with compassion” to consider appointing a popular Islamic scholar, Murtala Asada, into the Army.
Mr Asada has been very critical of the terrorists and their leadership.
“Even if you can’t give him any major role, please consider appointing him as head of the vigilante corps, so that he can come and confront us,” Mr Turji added.
In his response, Mr Bukarti said the terrorist’s attack on his person is a “is an attempt to intimidate me, but it will fail.”
He added, “this is not the first time I have faced such threats — Abubakar Shekau, the ruthless Boko Haram leader, targeted me on several occasions. I did not back down then, and I certainly won’t now. Shekau is gone, and by God’s grace, Turji will soon follow.
“Terrorists like Turji continue to kill, kidnap, rape, rob and enslave innocent Nigerians with impunity. Now, he targets advocates for peace, justice and good governance like myself, emboldened by the government’s insufficient action against them.
“I urge the Nigerian government to intensify its military efforts against Turji and other repugnant terrorist gangs. They are currently the gravest threat to Nigeria’s peace, security and progress, and must be dealt with accordingly. As always, I will continue to do my part in this fight to rid our country of these despicable criminals.”
Previous terrorist threats to silence Bukarti
In 2019 and 2020, Mr Bukarti faced direct threats from Boko Haram’s then leader, Abubakar Shekau, due to his outspoken criticism of their activities, effective counter-messaging and efforts to highlight the suffering of Boko Haram’s victims.
The threats intensified as Mr Shekau grew increasingly agitated by Bukarti’s vigorous condemnation of the group’s ideology and violent actions in the media.
In 2020, Ansaru, the Boko Haram faction affiliated with al-Qaida, further escalated the threats by circulating Mr Bukarti’s photo on its Telegram groups and calling for his execution. These developments resulted in heightened security concerns for him.
Despite these dangers, Mr Bukarti has remained steadfast in his advocacy, continuing to expose human rights abuses and promote peace in the region.
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