Fear and uncertainty have engulfed parts of Isa Local Government Area in Sokoto State after fresh threats were issued by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji. Reports indicate that Turji has forced residents of Bafarawa town to flee their homes, as he continues to wreak havoc across the region.
Local sources say Turji, who is a central figure in the wave of banditry that has plagued Sokoto State, has given neighboring villages of Kamara, Arume, and Kagara a stark warning: evacuate by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday or face violent retribution. These threats have stirred panic among the communities, with many residents abandoning their homes in fear of imminent attacks.
Isa Local Government Area has been one of the hardest hit by Turji’s reign of terror. The latest threats have worsened the already tense atmosphere, leaving families with no choice but to flee their homes in search of safety.
According to residents, the bandit leader’s actions are becoming more organized and calculated, and they fear this could lead to further destruction if left unaddressed.
A resident who recently fled Bafarawa spoke with our correspondent, stating, “This is beyond just another attack. These threats are calculated and organized. If nothing is done, more communities will fall under siege.”
The fears are not unfounded, as similar threats have been issued to other nearby villages such as Surudubu, Gebe, Tsullawa, and Garin Fadama, further exacerbating the sense of insecurity in the region.
The lack of a decisive government response has also fueled concerns among local communities. Sources within the affected areas have lamented what they see as a failure to take swift action, with some even alleging that Turji might be receiving some form of protection from unidentified figures.
In response to the escalating situation, the Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the deployment of personnel to the affected areas. ASP Ahmed Rufai, the Public Relations Officer of the command, stated, “Although we have not received any formal report regarding the incident, we have deployed officers to the area over the past three days.” Rufai assured that the security operatives on the ground are prepared to tackle any threats to peace and security in the region.
