Sokoto communities deserted over fresh Bello Turji threats

Residents of several communities in eastern Sokoto State, particularly Tidibale, a small agrarian settlement in Isa Local Government Area, have begun fleeing their homes in large numbers following fresh threats allegedly issued by notorious bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji.

The renewed warnings, coming after months of relative silence from the feared bandit leader, have sparked widespread panic, forcing families to abandon their homes and farmlands amid fears of imminent attacks.

Investigations revealed that many displaced residents have sought refuge in Isa town, Gidan Hamisu and neighbouring Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where they hope to find relative safety.

Local sources said Turji’s latest threat appears to be an attempt to reassert his relevance and authority after a lull in his activities. He reportedly warned Tidibale and surrounding communities of severe consequences for failing to align with him, further worsening the already fragile security situation in Sokoto East.

Women, children and the elderly are among those most affected by the displacement. Farmers who should ordinarily be preparing for the next planting season are now sheltering in overcrowded homes of relatives or makeshift camps, uncertain about their future.

“We left everything behind; life is more important than crops,” one displaced resident told Vanguard.

A viral video circulating on social media showed long convoys of vehicles ferrying residents and their belongings out of the threatened communities.

Meanwhile, several communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State — including Shinkafi town, Katuru, Jangeru and Kanwa — are reported to have entered into a truce with Turji. Residents described the agreement, which allegedly involves a pledge not to confront or report the bandit’s activities, as a desperate survival strategy rather than genuine consent.

Commenting on the development, Altine Guyawa, a public commentator on banditry in Sokoto East, said the threats have effectively reshaped the “geography of fear” in the region.

According to him, Turji has now concentrated his activities in Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Wurno and Rabah local government areas — communities that have reportedly refused to enter into any form of truce with the bandit leader.

Guyawa warned that such threats often follow prolonged silence and are meant to remind communities and authorities of a bandit’s presence and control, noting that civilians usually pay the highest price.

Benue Attack Deepens Insecurity

In a related development, at least five persons, including a former councillor and 2019 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Assembly candidate for Otukpo-Akpa State Constituency, Mr Igbabe Ochi, were reportedly killed in a midnight attack on Otobi Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victims — four men and one woman — were said to have been murdered by suspected armed herdsmen in the early hours of yesterday, further heightening tension in the area.

A local source disclosed that the attackers struck at about 1:30am, heading straight to a provision shop where some residents, including Ochi, were gathered.

“They killed four people at the shop and looted food items, suggesting they were in search of food. When residents heard gunshots, youths mobilised to confront them, but the attackers escaped into the forest,” the source said.

An Emergency Situation Report issued by the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG), Benue South Headquarters, Otukpo, confirmed the incident, identifying the victims as Igbabe Ochi, Achibi Onah, Eje Eba and Sunday Iruja.

The President of the Otobi Community Development Association, Mr John Anyebe, said the attackers entered the community through the railway station bridge from the Ijami axis.

US Boosts Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorism

Meanwhile, the United States government has delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria to support ongoing security operations across the country.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), which disclosed this in a statement posted on its verified X handle, said the supplies were handed over to Nigerian authorities in Abuja, underscoring Washington’s continued commitment to strengthening security cooperation with Nigeria.

Reacting, former senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, described the development as timely and commendable, saying it would bolster efforts to combat insecurity, particularly in the North-West.

“Any support that helps eliminate Bello Turji, Adamu Aleru, Baleri and other terrorist criminals in Zamfara’s hinterlands is welcome,” Sani said, urging other countries to provide similar tangible assistance.