Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has reportedly imposed a N22 million levy on four villages in Sokoto State following the death of one of his men in a military operation.
According to local sources, the levy is also intended as compensation for firearms lost during the operation. The affected villages include Garin Idi, the hometown of Sokoto’s Deputy Governor, Engineer Idris Gobir, as confirmed by Hon. Aminu Boza, a member representing Sabon Birni West Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly.
Turji Shifts Base, Expands Operations
Boza revealed that Turji has now relocated to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area, further entrenching his influence in the region.
“He operates like a businessman with multiple branches. He has now moved to the eastern part of Isa, where villagers negotiated with him to reduce the levy from N25 million to N22 million,” Boza stated.
He criticized the military’s failure to sustain operations in eastern Sokoto, lamenting that each withdrawal leaves villagers vulnerable to reprisals from bandits.
“The Ministers of Defence have visited Sokoto multiple times, assuring our people that banditry would soon be eradicated. But the attacks persist. Just a few days ago, bandits killed six operatives of the Sokoto Community Guards. The military must intensify and sustain operations to restore lasting peace,” Boza urged.
Hostage Ransom Demands
In addition to the levy, Turji has demanded a N250,000 ransom per person from the families of 13 worshippers abducted in Sabon Birni Local Government Area two weeks ago.
“So far, five captives have been released after their families paid the ransom,” Boza disclosed. The situation underscores the growing security challenges in Sokoto, prompting renewed calls for decisive military action to dismantle bandit networks in the region.
