Bandits have abducted 150 people in a series of attacks on several communities in Zamfara State over the past four days.

The spokesperson for the Zamfara State Government, Mahmud Mohammed Dantawasa, confirmed the attacks to the BBC. He neither confirmed nor denied the number of people kidnapped but said the government is making efforts to rescue the victims.

This is happening as a prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Yusuf Asadus-Sunna, has disclosed how his Peace Committee facilitated a peace agreement between notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, and the federal government. This led to the release of 32 abductees and the surrender of a cache of arms.

Residents of the affected communities said the heavily armed bandits carried out attacks over four days in villages including Sabon Garin Damri and Dakko Butsa (which borders Sokoto), as well as Tungar Abdu Dogo, Tungar Sarkin Daji, Sadeda, and Tungar Labi. The bandits often strike at night or during rainfall, taking advantage of when people are asleep.

He said the poor condition of roads in the state is aiding the bandits, as security personnel face serious challenges reaching the affected areas promptly.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Musa Yusuf Asadus-Sunna, a renowned Islamic scholar and peace advocate, has spoken about why his committee facilitated the peace agreement between notorious bandit leader Turji and the federal government.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Sheikh Asadus-Sunna revealed that he and his team had made three separate visits last month to Fakai, a remote community in Kebbi State, to engage in dialogue with bandit leaders operating in the area. He emphasized the importance of reconciliation in Islam, stating that peace talks with armed groups are yielding positive results in parts of Northern Nigeria.

?There is blessing in reconciliation in Islam, that is why we entered into peace discussions,? he said.

He narrated the rigorous journey undertaken by the peace delegation, which involved crossing a flooded stream on foot in a community called Maberaya and traveling long distances on motorcycles through thick forests to meet with the armed men.

?We met them where they live and interacted with community members and the local imam. We preached to them before government officials arrived to present the terms of peace,? he said.

Sheikh Musa stated that the delegation, which included more than twenty scholars and government representatives, urged the bandits to surrender their weapons as a show of commitment to peace.

?They surrendered their weapons during our meeting, which is a strong sign they want peace,? he disclosed.

He added that the group agreed to stop harassing farmers and allow them access to their farmlands without fear or extortion.

However, the cleric warned that the threat extends beyond notorious figures like Bello Turji.

?People think once Turji is neutralised, the crisis is over. But there are others ? like Dan Bakwalo, Dan Kanyawa, Malam Ila, and one called Black ? they are still active. I saw and spoke with them,? he revealed.

He also spoke about a notorious bandit, Kachalla Dan Sadiya, accused of killing 38 people, and confirmed the rescue of 32 abductees from Turji?s custody through peace efforts.

?It?s not just me. I led a committee of scholars. We are working hand in hand with security agencies, and the government gave the green light to try peace because scholars recommended it,? he said.

According to Sheikh Musa, the current goal is not just disarmament, but a total ceasefire.

?Many of the fighters are tired of the violence themselves. The problem is, some are not ready for peace ? but those who are helping to deal with the rest,? he said.

He cited a recent incident in Kaduna where a bandit known as Kachalla Musa was killed, not by security forces, but by fellow fighters who had embraced peace. Another recruiter, Kachalla Isa Doho, was reportedly killed by his own men for resisting dialogue.

?What the government now seeks is a complete cessation of hostilities. The time for genuine peace is now,? Sheikh Musa concluded.

Speaking during one of his sermons, the prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric also revealed that the committee held a series of dialogue sessions with Turji and his top commanders in a remote part of Zamfara State before reaching the historic accord.

While the cleric refrained from providing detailed accounts of what transpired during the talks, he confirmed that the meetings took place in Fakai, Turji?s hometown in the Shinkafi Local Government Area.

?We endured great difficulties to reach them. On the day we visited Maberaya, heavy rains caused flooding and blocked the usual route. Some of us had to roll up our trousers and wade through the river.

?After crossing, we rode motorcycles for several hours through dense forests before arriving at Fakai. There are communities and mountains where they retreat during attacks.?

The meeting, he said, was attended by Turji and some of his lieutenants, including the Danbokolo, who was earlier said to be killed.

?We listened to their grievances and presented our conditions. They agreed to surrender their weapons and allow farmers to return to their lands. When minor issues arose ? such as reports of Fulani being arrested while visiting towns ? we intervened and helped resolve them,? he stated.

According to him, the release of 32 hostages ? some of whom had spent up to four months in captivity, including women who gave birth while held ? marked a significant step forward.

?We risked our lives for this cause. May Allah reward us and allow the people to remember our efforts after our deaths,? he added.

The cleric, who said the federal government gave full consent for the negotiations, commended President Tinubu for supporting peace efforts in the region.

?Anyone blaming the president for the security challenges is being unfair. He has given the North all the support it needs to resolve this crisis,? he said, also praising National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their roles.

He expressed concern about the scale of Turji?s militia, revealing that more than 500 armed fighters attended the meeting ? and that they reportedly represent just one percent of Turji?s total force. He also recounted seeing boys as young as 10 wielding AK-47 rifles.

However, despite the peace accord, incidents of violence continue to cast doubt on the truce?s sustainability.

A resident of Isa, speaking anonymously, said that for the agreement to endure, active participation of state and local governments is essential.

?We heard that during one meeting, Turji asked if the Zamfara State Government was involved, warning that the accord wouldn?t last without their buy-in,? the source said.

The source further disclosed that some bandits loyal to Turji recently abducted residents of Shinkafi despite receiving ransom payments. On Tuesday, two commuters were reportedly killed by gunmen along the Shinkafi?Isa road.

These incidents underscore lingering concerns about the depth of control Turji holds over his fighters and raise questions about the enforcement of the terms of the agreement. (Daily Trust)

Update news