Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 19 Northern states and the FCT, Reverend Joseph Hayab, has acknowledged reports that notorious Zamfara State bandit kingpin Bello Turji has repented, but insists he must still face legal consequences for his crimes.
Speaking in an interview with AIT News from 1:47, Reverend Hayab suggested that Turji’s public apology may have been motivated by fear of imminent capture rather than genuine remorse. “I want to believe that the recent public statement that one of the terrorists or bandits is apologizing and is repenting may have been because he realized that very soon he will be caught,” he stated.
The CAN chairman acknowledged Turji’s apparent change of heart while emphasizing the need for justice for his victims. “Sincerely speaking, he (Bello Turji) has repented, but those whom he has caused pain are still in pain,” Hayab said.
He called for the government to pursue legal action against repentant bandits despite their public apologies. “The Nigerian government should first arrest him. Arrest those among them who are still carrying guns. Let them face the law. Let them face the wrath of the law so that victims will have some sense of relief,” the reverend declared.
Reverend Hayab urged Nigerians to balance criticism with appreciation for security successes while maintaining that dismantling terrorist financing networks remains crucial for lasting peace.
The cleric emphasized that cutting off financial support to terrorist groups is essential for breaking the cycle of violence, arguing that without addressing funding sources, the fight against insurgency will continue to face significant challenges.
He praised the recent arrest of two major terrorist leaders – the head of Ansarudeen and Ansaru’s terrorist organization and his deputy – describing it as a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
