Panic in Sokoto as Notorious Bandit Bello Turji Resurfaces With New Threats
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that fear and tension have gripped communities in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State following a fresh ultimatum issued by notorious bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji, prompting desperate appeals to the state and federal governments for urgent intervention.
OTN News further reports that the residents say Turji, one of the most feared figures in Nigeria’s North-West, recently ordered a local community to drain a dam or face brutal consequences, a threat that has deepened the climate of insecurity in a region already ravaged by repeated bandit attacks.
“It is very unfortunate that we are being treated like strangers in our own community,” said Abubakar Isa, a local barber, in an interview with PUNCH.
“How can we imagine that bandits are now the ones giving us ultimatum on how to relate in our community? We are appealing to the government to please save us from this situation we have found ourselves in.
The issue of banditry has reached its peak here; we can no longer live like normal human beings.” he added.
Another resident, Alhaki Abdullahi Isa, described the situation as dire. “We can no longer enjoy our stay in our community and this is very bad. It is alarming when you see someone like Turji giving us orders on how to live our lives,” he said.
“We are suffering in our land and it is unacceptable. We have nowhere to go. We cannot run away from our homes because of Bello Turji.” Abdullahi added.
OTN News observes from the information gathered that, Turji has been on security watchlists for years due to his involvement in a string of violent crimes, including mass killings, abductions, and the destruction of entire villages in Zamfara, Sokoto, and parts of Niger State.
Despite multiple military offensives, including air raids on his known hideouts, the bandit leader has continued to evade capture and command his network of armed men with impunity.
His latest ultimatum has reignited calls from civil society groups and local leaders for a more aggressive and coordinated military strategy to neutralize his operations and restore stability to affected communities.
OTN News further observes that, the situation underscores the broader crisis of insecurity in northern Nigeria, where banditry and rural terrorism have displaced tens of thousands, paralyzed agriculture, and left local populations in constant fear.
As the threat of further violence looms, residents in Isa and surrounding areas say time is running out and are urging authorities to act swiftly before the region descends into deeper chaos.
What's Your Reaction?
