Infamous bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly imposed a N22 million levy on four villages in Sokoto State after one of his gang members was killed in a military operation.
Drivetvnews Reports indicate that the fine is also meant to compensate for firearms allegedly lost during the raid.
Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly representing Sabon Birni West, disclosed that one of the affected villages is Garin Idi, the hometown of Deputy Governor Idris Gobir.
Boza further stated that Turji has relocated his base to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area (LGA) in Sokoto State. “He operates like a businessman managing multiple outlets, moving around to oversee them,” Boza remarked. “Currently, he is in the eastern part of Isa. The villagers approached him for negotiations, and he agreed to reduce the amount from N25 million to N22 million.”
The lawmaker criticized the military for failing to maintain a continuous presence in the region, which he said leaves local communities vulnerable to repeated attacks whenever troops withdraw.
“I have consistently called out the military for not sustaining their operations in the eastern part of Sokoto. Each time they leave, the villages suffer the consequences,” Boza said.
Despite several visits by Ministry of Defence officials to Sokoto and repeated assurances of action, Boza lamented that banditry remains a severe threat. He cited a recent attack in which six members of the Sokoto Community Guards were killed.
Additionally, Boza revealed that Turji has demanded N250,000 from the family of each of the 13 worshippers abducted in Sabon Birni LGA roughly two weeks ago. So far, five of the captives have been freed after their families paid the ransom.
The lawmaker urged the military to ramp up and sustain their operations in eastern Sokoto, emphasizing that continuous military efforts are essential for restoring peace and safeguarding communities at risk.
