Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly placed a N22 million levy on four villages in Sokoto State after one of his men was killed during a military operation in the area. According to residents, the imposed levy is also intended to compensate for firearms lost during the operation.
Among the affected villages is Garin Idi, the hometown of Sokoto State’s Deputy Governor, Engineer Idris Gobir. Hon. Aminu Boza, who represents Sabon Birni West Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, confirmed the development. He also disclosed that Turji has relocated his operations to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area.
“Turji operates like a businessman managing multiple outlets. He is currently in the eastern part of Isa. That’s where villagers met him to negotiate, and he reduced the levy from N25 million to N22 million,” Boza explained.
Boza expressed deep frustration with the ongoing security challenges and criticized the military for failing to maintain consistent operations in the region.
“I have always condemned the military’s lack of sustained operations in the eastern part of Sokoto because, whenever they withdraw, the villagers suffer the consequences. The bandits retaliate by targeting the communities,” he lamented.
He also highlighted the repeated assurances given by federal authorities, stating, “The Ministers of Defence have visited Sokoto about four times, promising that banditry would soon end. Yet, the attacks persist. Just recently, six members of the Sokoto Community Guards were killed by bandits. I urge the military to intensify and maintain their operations in eastern Sokoto. Only then can lasting peace be achieved in the area.”
In addition to the levy, Boza revealed that Turji has demanded a ransom of N250,000 per person from the families of 13 worshippers abducted two weeks ago in Sabon Birni Local Government. So far, five captives have been released after their families paid the ransom.
