The North-West Women Development Forum (NWDF) has called on the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, to surrender arms and give peace a chance.

This call was made by the public relations officer of NWDF, Salamatu Bello, who spoke on behalf of the group at the end of their meeting on Friday in Abuja.

Ms Bello said the meeting was held to offer prayers for the region, the entire country, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“As mothers, we appeal to Bello Turji to surrender before it is too late,” she said.

She also commended the Nigerian armed forces for taking out Mr Turji’s top lieutenant, Kallamu Buzu, in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State recently.

Mr Buzu and several others were killed by troops of the 8 Division and Sector 2 Joint Task Force of Operation Hadarin Daji. It was also reported that Mr Turji was deeply affected by the loss and threatened revenge.

Mr Turji also allegedly blamed another lieutenant for the lapses that led to Buzu’s death after a failed mission targeting local traders in Sabon Birni.

The NWDF spokesperson, however, said the people were happy with how the military was tackling and decimating unrepentant bandits and terrorists in the region.

“We gathered in Abuja to pray for the North-West, the entire country, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for Allah’s intervention and restoration of peace.

“We cannot continue like this. We have come here to pray for our region, the entire country, and the armed forces of Nigeria under the able Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

“We are also praying for the repose of the souls of our troops who are making sacrifices for our country,” Ms Bello stated.

Ms Bello said the Sokoto government had also commended the gallant officers and men of the armed forces for significant success in the ongoing fight against banditry.

According to her, the governor’s security aide, Ahmed Usman, praised the military’s swift response, professionalism, and courage.

(NAN)