Sheikh Murtala Asada has strongly criticised Prof. Abubakar Usman Ribah’s call for dialogue with notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, describing it as unacceptable and dangerous to the safety of communities in the North West.
Asada, a prominent Islamic cleric, made the remarks on Wednesday while reacting to Ribah’s recent comments supporting government-led dialogue with bandits as a path to peace.
He urged residents of communities under siege by bandits to resist such calls and instead embrace collective self-defence.
“Dialogue with Turji is not the solution. People should not waste time hoping for peace talks with someone who has killed, kidnapped and destroyed lives. What our people need to do is to protect themselves, defend their families and stand against these criminals,” Asada said.
The cleric also dismissed a viral audio making the rounds on social media, where he was allegedly heard conversing with Turji.
According to him, the audio was recorded about five years ago and does not represent his current stance on the bandit leader.
