Bello Turji: When I Saw That Video, I Considered It A Normal Reaction Born Out Of Frustration-Shettima

Alhaji Yerima Shettima, former President-General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI), and a Kaduna Central senatorial aspirant for 2027, during an interview with The Sun correspondent, dismissed calls for the removal of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

When he was asked about a recently circulated video allegedly featuring a bandit leader, Kachala Bello Turji, who has been terrorising communities along the Zamfara and Sokoto axis, he was questioned on the implications of the claims made in the footage.

He said, “When I saw that video, I considered it a normal reaction born out of frustration. Often, when you are genuine in what you are doing, believe strongly in your cause, and put God first, solutions will emerge even if others do not expect them.”

Following repeated failed attempts by criminal elements to achieve their objectives through kidnappings, Matawalle played a key role in operations that led to the safe rescue of 24 female students and several teachers in Kebbi State. The success of these efforts, however, reportedly heightened the frustration of criminal networks, prompting them to circulate various claims and accusations against him.

 

 

Soon after, narratives began to surface suggesting that Matawalle was involved in sponsoring banditry. Yet, in a notable and candid public statement, an individual believed to be a bandit directly refuted such claims, warning: “If you want to politicize issues, leave my name out of it.” The remark made it clear that Matawalle was not connected to any sponsorship of criminal activity.

He said that the same person went further, recounting how over 70 of his family members and lieutenants had been killed during Matawalle’s tenure as governor, including a close relative. He questioned how anyone could expect him to support or forgive someone responsible for such losses. Shettima noted that this testimony served as a strong vindication for the minister.

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