A coalition of women from several northern communities has publicly appealed to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji to surrender his weapons and embrace peace, following recent violent incidents that have claimed multiple lives and deepened fear across affected areas.
The women, drawn from community associations, mothers’ groups, and grassroots peace advocates, made the call during a press engagement aimed at highlighting the human cost of continued armed violence in the region. They described the recent killings as tragic and unnecessary, stressing that women and children continue to bear the heaviest burden of insecurity.
Speaking on behalf of the group, a representative said the loss of lives has left many families devastated, with widows and orphans struggling to cope with the aftermath of attacks. She noted that farmlands have been abandoned, schools disrupted, and local economies crippled due to persistent fear and displacement.
The women urged Turji to consider the suffering of innocent civilians and to take advantage of opportunities for peace, dialogue, and rehabilitation. According to them, laying down arms would not only save lives but also allow affected communities to begin healing and rebuilding trust.
They also called on other armed groups operating in the region to follow the same path, emphasizing that violence has brought nothing but grief, poverty, and instability. The group appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community elders to intensify efforts to persuade those involved in armed activities to renounce violence.
In addition, the women appealed to government authorities and security agencies to sustain efforts aimed at restoring peace while also providing humanitarian support to victims of attacks. They stressed the need for trauma counseling, support for displaced families, and initiatives that empower women who have lost breadwinners.
The statement concluded with a plea for compassion, urging Turji and his associates to reflect on the long-term consequences of their actions. The women maintained that lasting peace is achievable only through dialogue, accountability, and a collective commitment to ending bloodshed in the region.
The appeal has sparked renewed conversations about the role of community voices—especially women—in peacebuilding efforts across northern Nigeria, as calls for an end to violence continue to grow louder.