Villagers flee as Bello Turji issues fresh threat in Sokoto

The fragile peace in Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas of Sokoto East Senatorial District is under threat as notorious bandit leader Bello Turji reportedly resurfaced, issuing a warning to annihilate anyone who does not pledge loyalty to him

The threat, allegedly delivered to Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area, has sparked widespread fear, prompting a mass exodus from Tidibale and surrounding villages.

A resident of Tidibale, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The entire village is terrified of what might happen to us, so we had no choice but to abandon everything and flee. Many of us left without harvesting our crops. Some moved to Isa town, others to neighbouring villages in Shinkafi Local Government, Zamfara State, just to stay safe.”

Alhaji Shehu, another local, described the predicament, noting that the villagers could not meet Turji’s demands because of the sheer danger posed by him and his armed followers. “We had no option but to relocate. Now, we live as internally displaced persons, staying with relatives or in makeshift tents in the open under harsh weather conditions. We rely on handouts, and sometimes go hungry when help is not available,” he said.

Shehu revealed that Turji’s demands included paying a levy, vowing not to report his activities, and cooperating with his foot soldiers on various matters.

Responding to the report, Sokoto State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the command had not received any formal notification of the threat. However, after seeing social media reports, the police contacted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area to verify the situation.

Rufai also noted that a few days ago, bandits attacked Bargaja village in the same Isa local government area, killing two people and abducting an unspecified number of others. He assured that all necessary measures were being taken to apprehend the criminals and urged residents to provide credible information on threats or demands from bandits to enable proactive action.

Attempts to reach Senator Ibrahim Lamido, representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls. Meanwhile, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the military was still working to verify the reported threat, adding, “We are trying to verify the information.”

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