Notorious and wanted bandit leader, Bello Turji, has started to make good his threat by carrying out attacks on communities in Sokoto and Zamfara.
Turji had in a video warned that he would begin his attacks in communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara and Isah Local Government Area of Sokoto, if his ally Bako Wurgi arrested by security agents, was not released latest on December 31, 20024.
The threat had caused panic in Zamfara as residents of 50 communities in the state fled their homes. A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, had raised the alarm over the panic exodus of Shinkafi residents while calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the military “to act decisively and protect innocent communities from imminent attacks.”
In response to Turji’s threat, the Defence Headquarters through its Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said it would not engage in a war of words with Turji while vowing that he would be eliminated, just like other commanders before him.
But undeterred by the DHQ’s tough talk, the bandit kingpin has started to oppress the villages around his camp.
On Tuesday, bandits suspected to be foot soldiers of a notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji, kidnapped 10 passengers along Kaura-Namoda-Shinkafi Road in Zamfara state, and burnt their vehicle.
Former Governor of Sokoto, Attahiru Bafarawa said his hometown was now under a threat. speaking with journalists at his Sokoto residence, he said communities close to the place had been attacked.
He said, “The ultimatum given by Bello Turji, demanding the release of his ally arrested by security agents, is deeply worrisome and should not be taken lightly.
“Turji who had initially threatened to unleash attacks starting January 1, 2025, if his demand was not met, had already begun launching attacks ahead of the deadline.
“Just around 2pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, I received reports of his attack on a village. As we speak, it has become impossible for anyone to travel safely to my hometown.
“The menace of banditry is a big challenge. If we can resolve this and other security challenges, I believe our economy will improve.”
