By Mohammed Bello Doka
The expiration of the deadline set by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has led to an alarming surge in violence and abductions across Sokoto and Zamfara states, leaving communities in a state of panic. Former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, had previously raised concerns about Turji’s growing power and the escalating threat posed to local residents. With the deadline now passed, Turji’s group has carried out a series of brutal attacks, heightening fears of further violence.
Turji, who operates primarily in the northwestern region of Nigeria, had issued a chilling ultimatum demanding the release of his close associate, Bako Wurgi, who had been arrested by security forces. The deadline for this demand was set for December 31, 2024, and Turji threatened that if his demands were not met, towns and villages in Sokoto and Zamfara would be subjected to violence and abductions.
In the aftermath of the expired deadline, Turji’s threats have materialized into action. On January 2, 2025, bandits believed to be affiliated with Turji abducted 10 passengers traveling along the Kaura-Namoda-Shinkafi Road in Zamfara State, burning their vehicle after the abduction. This marks a troubling escalation, as it is the first time such an attack has involved the deliberate destruction of a vehicle.
Meanwhile, in Sokoto State, armed bandits launched an attack in the Sabon Birni area, abducting seven travelers, including six women and a driver. The victims’ current whereabouts remain unknown, further intensifying the sense of fear and uncertainty in the region. Bafarawa’s initial warnings seem to have been prescient, as the situation rapidly deteriorates.
Bafarawa has once again called on the federal government and security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to curb the rising violence. “The situation is becoming more dire by the day, and if urgent steps are not taken, we risk witnessing even more catastrophic outcomes,” Bafarawa emphasized.
The Nigerian military has responded by ramping up security operations in the affected regions, with additional troops being deployed to both Sokoto and Zamfara. While these efforts have been noted, the terrain and the elusive nature of Turji’s group present significant challenges. Local communities, meanwhile, are growing increasingly anxious about potential retaliatory attacks from the bandits, as military actions continue to intensify.
Bafarawa’s concerns are not without merit, as the violence in the region has already caused widespread displacement, with many residents fleeing their homes in search of safety. The increasing number of abductions, as well as the destruction of property, underscores the urgent need for both military intervention and a broader, more sustainable strategy to address the root causes of insecurity in the region.
Turji, born in Shinkafi, Zamfara State, has been a central figure in the banditry crisis that has plagued northwestern Nigeria. His group has been responsible for numerous high-profile kidnappings and violent attacks, further destabilizing an already fragile region. As the deadline passes and violence escalates, the government’s response will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the conflict and the safety of countless Nigerian citizens.
The federal government must now demonstrate its commitment to securing the region, as the clock ticks down on further violence and destruction. Bafarawa’s plea for urgent action echoes the growing concern of citizens and political leaders alike, who are witnessing the devastating consequences of unchecked banditry. Without immediate intervention, Sokoto and Zamfara states risk becoming further engulfed in lawlessness and terror.
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