Families devastated by years of banditry in north-western Nigeria have appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the worsening violence.

Organized under the Coalition of Families Affected by Banditry, the group said repeated attacks have left communities shattered, with loved ones killed, homes destroyed, and livelihoods lost.

In a letter addressed to the presidency in Abuja, the coalition explained that domestic avenues for justice had been exhausted, often met with inaction.

The appeal comes after a video circulated in December 2025 in which notorious bandit leader Bello Turji alleged that policies of past administrations in Zamfara and Sokoto states contributed to the insecurity now afflicting the region.

The letter was signed by coalition leaders Otuba Rawene (chairperson), Sani Usman (secretary), Hadijat Abdullahi (PRO), and 20 other members.

“Many of us have lost loved ones in brutal attacks, seen family members abducted, or been forced to flee our homes,” the group wrote.

The coalition highlighted the scale of suffering: mass displacement, economic collapse, and deep psychological trauma.

“These attacks have displaced hundreds of thousands, disrupted agriculture and trade, deepened poverty, and inflicted lasting trauma on survivors. Communities live in constant fear, with bandits imposing illegal levies and acting with impunity,” the letter stated.

They urged the federal government to launch an independent, transparent investigation into Turji’s allegations against former governors, recommending technical assistance or international oversight to ensure credibility and freedom from political influence.

The families stressed that accountability is essential to breaking the cycle of violence.

They called for sanctions if evidence of complicity in serious crimes is found, insisting that holding perpetrators and enablers responsible is the only way to restore peace and rebuild trust in the region.

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