Turji Bello, a notorious terrorist operating in Zamfara State, has called for peace dialogue with the federal government to address the ongoing violence in the region.

In a video released on Monday, which quickly went viral, Bello criticized both the current Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and former governor and current Defence Minister, Bello Matawalle, for politicizing the insecurity in the state.

Bello’s call for dialogue comes amidst intensified operations by security forces, which have led to the deaths of several of his fighters and the surrender of others.

In the five-minute video, Bello appeared armed and seated on a motorcycle in a forested area.

He stated that peace would only return to Zamfara if the Fulanis, a group often involved in the violence, were no longer targeted by security forces and vigilante groups.

His appeal for dialogue marks a notable development, particularly as security forces continue their campaign to end the reign of terror in Zamfara and other northern regions.

“Governor Dauda Lawal and Bello Matawalle labelling each other as terrorists (sponsors) will not help. I want the people of Zamfara to understand that they are just politicians without the interest of the people of Zamfara in their hearts.

“When (Mr) Matawalle was the governor who was sponsoring us? Similarly, when Abdulaziz Yari was the governor who was sponsoring us? Nobody is sponsoring us except God.

“It was during the administration of Yerima that the government sold out the grazing reserve and legalised the killing of the Fulanis. When Muhmud Shinkafi came on board, he tried unsuccessfully to address the problem. Abdulaziz Yari came and empowered the vigilante, but we are still struggling.

“This is why we are calling on all of you to come and collaborate with us for peace to reign and stop the bloodbath in Zamfara. Guns and airstrikes will not stop us because we are not afraid of death,” he said.

The terrorist leader also confirmed the killing of his “master”, Halilu Sububu, another terror kingpin neutralized by airstrikes from the Nigerian Air Force, noting that his death had emboldened the younger generation of fighters to continue with their bloodbath on the people.

“Kachallah Halilu Sububu is not the first person to be killed; several others were killed. The killing of Halilu Sububu will not deter us from doing what we are doing unless you stop killing our brothers in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Niger states.

“Your only plan is to exterminate the Fulani race while God has been protecting us. Even if you kill us, it’s God who ordained that to happen, but it’s not by your power,” said Bello.