Mass exodus hits Sokoto community as Bello Turji issues fresh threat

Residents of communities in the eastern part of Sokoto State, particularly Tidibale, a small farming community in Isa Local Government Area, have begun fleeing their homes in large numbers following fresh threats issued by notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.

The threats came after months of relative silence from Turji and have reportedly caused renewed panic across the area, forcing families to abandon their houses and farmlands over fears of possible attacks.

The development coincided with reports of a deadly midnight attack on Otobi Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, where at least five persons were killed.

Those reportedly killed included a former councillor and the 2019 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Assembly candidate for the Otukpo-Akpa state constituency, Mr Igbabe Ochi.

Residents said Turji’s latest warning, which spoke of “dire consequences” for Tidibale and neighbouring communities that have not aligned with him, has worsened the already fragile security situation in Sokoto East.

Many families are said to have fled to Isa town, Gidan Hamisu and nearby Shinkafi in Zamfara State in search of safety. Women, children and the elderly are among those displaced, while farmers who should be preparing for the next planting season are now taking shelter in overcrowded homes of relatives or makeshift camps, unsure of when they can return.

“We left everything behind; life is more important than crops,” a displaced resident told Very Nigerian.

A video circulating on social media showed several vehicles conveying people and their belongings out of the affected villages.

Local accounts suggest that Turji may be trying to reassert his influence after a lull in his activities by issuing fresh threats to communities that have refused to cooperate with him.

In contrast, some 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. Under the arrangement, the communities allegedly agreed not to challenge or report his movements, a decision residents described as a survival strategy rather than support.

Altine Guyawa, a public commentator on banditry and kidnapping in Sokoto East, said the situation has changed the pattern of fear in the region. According to him, Turji has now focused his activities on Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Wurno and Rabah Local Government Areas, which he said are communities that have not entered any truce with the bandit leader.

Guyawa noted that such threats often followed periods of silence, serving as a signal to remind communities and authorities of a bandit leader’s presence.

“It is about relevance and control,” he said, warning that populations often paid the highest price, which is death.

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