Bello Turji Fines Sokoto Villages N22m Over Gang Member’s Death

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has demanded N22 million from four villages in Sokoto State after one of his gang members was killed during a military operation. The fine is also meant to cover the cost of firearms allegedly lost during the raid.

Aminu Boza, a lawmaker representing Sabon Birni West in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, revealed that one of the affected villages is Garin Idi, the hometown of Deputy Governor Idris Gobir.

Boza further noted that Turji has relocated his base to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area (LGA) in Sokoto. “He is just like a businessman who has multiple shops and is going around to supervise them,” Boza stated. He added that the villagers engaged in negotiations with Turji, who initially demanded N25 million but later reduced it to N22 million.

The lawmaker criticized the military for not maintaining a continuous presence in the area, arguing that their withdrawal leaves the villages exposed to attacks. “I have always criticised the military for not sustaining their operation in the eastern part of Sokoto because anytime they withdraw, it is the villages that bear the brunt,” he said.

Despite several visits from officials of the Ministry of Defence, Boza lamented that banditry continues to be a major problem in Sokoto. He noted a recent attack where six members of the Sokoto Community Guards were killed.

In addition to the fine, Turji is also demanding N250,000 from the family of each of the 13 worshippers abducted in Sabon Birni LGA about two weeks ago. So far, five captives have been released after their families paid the ransom.

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