Residents in parts of Sokoto State have fled their homes following fresh threats allegedly issued by notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
Communities in Isa Local Government Area, including Bafarawa, Kamara, Arume, and Kagara, are reportedly affected. A local source told Radio Nigeria that Turji gave residents until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday to vacate or face violent consequences.
Although BBC cannot independently verify the ultimatum, the threats have triggered widespread panic and displacement.
Isa LGA is one of the hardest-hit areas by banditry in Sokoto State, with Turji frequently linked to previous attacks across the region.
Residents from the affected villages say they feel abandoned and have accused the authorities of failing to take decisive action. Some have raised concerns about what they describe as a “seeming protection” of the gang leader by unknown actors.
Other villages, including Surudubu, Gebe, Tsullawa, and Garin Fadama, have also reported similar threats in recent days.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmed Rufai, said security personnel have been deployed to the area over the past three days.
“No formal report has been received yet, but officers are already on the ground and are prepared to tackle any threat to peace and security,” he said.
As the situation unfolds, civil society groups and local leaders are calling for a coordinated response from state and federal authorities to restore calm and protect residents.
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