Bello Turji, notorious bandit leader has imposed an N22 million levy on four villages in Sokoto state following the killing of one of his gang members during a military operation.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to reports; the levy is also meant to compensate for missing firearms during the raid.
Aminu Boza, a lawmaker representing Sabon Birni West in Sokoto House of Assembly, identified one of the affected villages as Garin Idi, the state’s deputy Governor, Idris Gobir’s hometown.
The lawmaker noted that Turji had relocated his base to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto state.
He said, “He is just like a businessman who has multiple shops and is going around to supervise them. He is currently in the eastern part of Isa.”
“That was where the villagers met him for negotiation, and he reduced the money from N25 million to N22 million.”
The lawmaker criticised the military for failing to sustain operations in the area, saying their withdrawal leaves villages vulnerable to attacks.
He said, “I have always criticised the military for not sustaining their operation in the eastern part of Sokoto because anytime they withdraw, it is the villages that bear the brunt.”
“Because the bandits always vent their anger on the villagers.”
“The ministers of defence have visited Sokoto about four times and assured our people that banditry would soon be a thing of the past.”
“But look at it, the bandits are still attacking our people. A few days ago, they killed six operatives of the Sokoto community guards.”
“I am appealing to the military to intensify and sustain their operation in the eastern part of Sokoto. This is the only way to restore total peace in the area.”
Boza noted that Turji is demanding N250,000 from each family of the 13 worshippers abducted in Sabon Birni LGA about two weeks ago.
He added, “They have so far released five captives after their families paid the money.”
