Residents of several communities in eastern Sokoto State, particularly Tidibale in Isa Local Government Area, have begun fleeing en masse following renewed threats issued by notorious bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji, sparking fresh panic across the region.
The threat, which residents said came after months of relative silence from Turji, has forced families to abandon their homes and farmlands amid fears of an imminent attack. Women, children and the elderly are among those displaced, with many seeking refuge in Isa town, Gidan Hamisu and neighbouring Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Vanguard gathered that Turji warned of “dire consequences” for Tidibale and nearby communities that have refused to align with him, a move locals believe is aimed at reasserting his influence after a lull in his activities.
“We left everything behind; life is more important than crops,” a displaced resident said, as a viral video showed long convoys of vehicles evacuating people and their belongings from the affected villages.
The development has further weakened an already fragile security situation in Sokoto East, where rural communities remain highly vulnerable. Farmers who should be preparing for the next planting season are now sleeping in overcrowded homes of relatives or makeshift shelters, uncertain of when it will be safe to return.
In contrast, several communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State — including Shinkafi town, Katuru, Jangeru and Kanwa — are reported to have entered into a truce with Turji. Under the arrangement, residents reportedly pledged not to confront or report his activities, describing the deal as a survival strategy rather than consent.
Public commentator on banditry in Sokoto East, Altine Guyawa, said the situation has “reshaped the geography of fear” in the region. He noted that Turji has now concentrated his activities in Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Wurno and Rabah Local Government Areas — communities that have not entered into any truce.
“Such threats often come after periods of silence. It is about relevance and control, and unfortunately, the population often pays the highest price — death,” Guyawa warned.
Midnight Attack in Benue
Meanwhile, at least five persons, including a former councillor and 2019 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Assembly candidate for Otukpo-Akpa State Constituency, Mr. Igbabe Ochi, were killed in a midnight attack on Otobi Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims — four men and one woman — were reportedly murdered in related incidents during the early hours of yesterday by suspected armed herdsmen, further heightening tension in the area.
A local source said the attackers struck around 1:30 a.m., storming a provision shop where some residents, including Mr. Ochi, were gathered.
“They killed four people at the shop and looted food items, suggesting they were searching for food. When residents heard gunshots, youths mobilised to confront them, but the attackers fled into the forest,” the source said.
An Emergency Situation Report issued by the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG), Benue South Headquarters, confirmed the attack, identifying the victims as Igbabe Ochi, Achibi Onah, Eje Eba and Sunday Iruja.
US Delivers Military Supplies to Nigeria
Amid the rising insecurity, the United States government has delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria to support ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) disclosed this in a statement posted on its verified X handle, noting that the supplies were handed over to Nigerian authorities in Abuja.
“US forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM said.
Reacting, former senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, described the development as timely and commendable, saying it would strengthen Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, particularly in the North-West.
He urged other countries to follow the US example by offering tangible support, adding that “anything that can be done to eliminate Bello Turji, Adamu Aleru, Baleri and other terrorist criminals in the hinterland of Zamfara is welcomed.”
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