“…some of the assailants had been rehabilitated under a social reintegration programme initiated by former Governor Bello Matawalle.” – Security Sources
At least 48 security operatives were killed in Zamfara State over the weekend following a deadly ambush by bandits led by notorious warlord Bello Turji.
The attack occurred near Shinkafi Local Government Area and claimed the lives of members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and Nigerian soldiers, according to multiple reports.
A viral video circulating online on Wednesday showed Turji and his gang jubilating over the corpses of the slain operatives.
Security sources told Peoples Gazette that some of the assailants had been rehabilitated under a social reintegration programme initiated by former Governor Bello Matawalle.
The massacre adds to growing concern over rising insecurity under President Bola Tinubu. Amnesty International recently reported that over 10,000 Nigerians have been killed by gunmen since Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
“A new investigation shows that… at least 10,217 people have been killed in attacks by gunmen,” Amnesty noted, adding that most victims were displaced farmers unable to cultivate their land.