Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has confirmed imposing a N50 million tax on residents of Moriki town in Zamfara State.
Turji said the tax was imposed on Moriki town following the killing of cattle in the town.
In his latest video, the bandit dismissed a report by security analyst Bulama Bukarti that he imposed a N30 million tax on residents of Moriki.
He faulted Bukarti for failing to report that security agencies killed cattle in Moriki, hence the fine.
According to Turji: “My name is Bello Turji. I heard of someone named Bulama Bukarti, who made statements alleging that Turji imposed taxes on the people of Moriki. All that he said is true.
“However, he mentioned only one reason—that they chased our cattle. That’s not the full story. Call whoever told you this, and speak to my people for a proper conversation. Then, you can judge fairly.
Why would you allow your people to tell you a one-sided story and rush to tell the public? You are a slave of the West, and you, along with Bello, should know that the tax we imposed on Moriki people is N50 million.
“You speak about the people of Moriki, but you didn’t mention how they killed our cattle. Listen carefully, people of Moriki: I am warning you. They didn’t deploy soldiers from Enugu or Port Harcourt to kill our people just to make you happy while the West’s slaves published it to the public.
“Tell us what our cattle did in June and July when they were killed. They didn’t invade anyone’s home. They were grazing when they were shot and killed in broad daylight.
“Yet Bukarti hasn’t spoken about that. Instead, he criticizes us for our actions.”
Lately, Bello had been in the news for allegedly seizing vehicles belonging to the military during an operation.
However, the military denied the bandit’s claim, saying the Mine Resistant vehicles were demobilized due to bad weather conditions and terrain.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, had warned that Turji’s days are numbered because he would soon be captured.
In a previous video released six days ago, the notorious bandit leader accused Hausas of being traitors and hypocrites.
Turji said they are responsible for the killing of innocent Fulani people and their livestock in the past.
Turji vowed to continue waging war against the Hausa people if the killing of Fulani tribes does not cease.
He warned that Hausa farmers won’t farm in the next farming season due to their activities.