Intense Gun Battle Erupts in Sokoto as Soldiers, Local Hunters Clash with Infamous Bandit Leader Bello Turji
In the early hours of the morning, soldiers and local hunters engaged in a fierce confrontation with the notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, and his group in Gatawa, a town within the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. According to sources, the firefight began around 6:00 a.m. and has continued into the afternoon.
Eyewitnesses from Gatawa, speaking anonymously, reported that the bandits attempted a raid on the town but were met with resistance from security forces and local hunters, who had positioned themselves to defend the area. “We suspect that Bello Turji himself is leading the assault,” said one resident. “The exchange of fire has been ongoing since this morning, and as of now, around 2:45 p.m., the battle is still raging. It’s a tense situation with no clear end in sight.”
The standoff has left the town in a state of lockdown, with residents fearful of what might unfold as both sides continue the firefight. “No one is moving. The streets are empty, and people are staying inside for their safety,” said a local source. “We are all anxiously waiting, praying that the soldiers will prevail and that Turji is among those defeated.”
Another witness described the encounter as one of the most intense clashes with bandits that the town has ever experienced. “We’ve never seen such a battle here before,” he noted. “Our hope is that this marks the end of Turji’s reign of terror, though we fear he might call for reinforcements from other bandits.”
Turji, who is believed to have his base in the forests of Shinkafi Local Government in Zamfara State, has a history of criminal operations extending into Sokoto’s Sabon Birni, Isa, and Goronyo Local Government Areas. His activities have kept the region in a state of unrest, prompting repeated calls for intensified military action.
“We are hoping the soldiers can end this once and for all. Our prayers are with them as they confront Turji and his men,” a resident added, expressing both hope and caution as the firefight stretches on.
As of now, details of casualties or injuries remain unclear. Local residents say that a complete picture of the battle may only emerge once the fighting ceases and soldiers have secured the area. Meanwhile, the community is appealing for additional troops to support those on the ground, expressing optimism that this operation could lead to a significant victory against banditry in the region.
