By Baban Khalid
The Bauchi Forum of Gentlemen (BAFOG) has strongly condemned reports linking the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, with wanted bandit kingpin Bello Turji, describing the move as a deliberate attempt to sabotage peace efforts in the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Bauchi yesterday, BAFoG’s coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Yakubu Muhid, said the group felt compelled to respond to what it described as a renewed smear campaign aimed at damaging Senator Shehu’s reputation, rising popularity, and public acceptability.
“This is not the first time similar politically motivated falsehoods have been circulated. The same disgruntled elements have attempted this before,” Ibrahim recalled, noting that Governor Bala Mohammed had once alleged that Senator Buba had links with suspected bandits — an accusation later dismissed as baseless after security investigations.
The group also dismissed Sahara Reporters’ claims that Senator Shehu demolished a church in Plateau State and replaced it with a mosque, calling the story “libellous, provocative, and entirely false.”
“It is laughable and ignorant of the socio-cultural realities and land laws of Plateau State to suggest that any Muslim, no matter how influential, could demolish a church and build a mosque in its place,” Ibrahim stated.
BAFOG stressed that Senator Shehu Buba’s political record, public service, and role in promoting peace in Northern Nigeria prove he has no association with any criminal elements.
The forum further praised his “patriotic sacrifices” in the fight against insecurity and passed a vote of confidence in his leadership, pledging full support for his political future.
“We stand solidly behind Senator Shehu Buba. Based on his good intentions, concern for the common man, and proven performance, we can see him succeeding in 2027 and beyond,” the statement concluded.
