Fear has returned to parts of Sokoto East Senatorial District following reports that feared bandit leader Bello Turji has resurfaced, issuing fresh threats against communities in Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas.
Residents of Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area said the threat has shattered the fragile peace recently enjoyed in the area, triggering panic and a mass exodus from the community and surrounding villages.
A local resident, who requested anonymity, said families fled abruptly, leaving behind unharvested crops and personal belongings. According to him, many villagers have sought refuge in Isa town, while others escaped to neighbouring Shinkafi Local Government Area in Zamfara State.
“People are scared for their lives. We could not take chances, knowing what this man is capable of,” he said.
Another resident, Alhaji Shehu, said villagers had no choice but to flee because they could not meet the conditions allegedly imposed by Turji. He said displaced families are now living as internally displaced persons, relying on relatives or temporary shelters in open spaces.
“The hardship is severe. We depend on charity to survive, and sometimes we sleep hungry,” Shehu said.
He claimed that the demands reportedly included the payment of levies, an agreement not to report bandits’ activities, and cooperation with armed groups operating in the area.
The Sokoto State Police Command said it was yet to receive an official complaint regarding the alleged threat. Police spokesperson DSP Ahmed Rufai said the command had directed officers in the affected area to verify the reports following widespread discussion on social media.
Rufai confirmed that bandits recently attacked Bargaja village in the same local government area, killing two people and abducting several others. He urged residents to provide timely and credible intelligence to enable security agencies respond proactively.
Attempts to reach the senator representing Sokoto East, Senator Ibrahim Lamido, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the military was assessing the situation and verifying the information.
