There is palpable fear in the Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State as residents raised the alarm over a fresh threat issued by notorious bandits leader, Bello Turji, calling on the state and federal governments to urgently intervene and save them from imminent violence.
Turji, who has been on security agencies’ radar for years over deadly attacks in the North-West, reportedly issued a chilling ultimatum earlier this week, demanding that residents of a local community drain a dam or face brutal consequences.
The threat has sparked widespread fear and panic among villagers already living under the shadow of frequent bandit assaults.
Speaking with PUNCH, terrified residents appealed to both the Sokoto State government and security agencies to provide immediate protection before the situation escalates.
“It is very unfortunate that we are being treated like strangers in our own community,” Abubakar Isa, a local barber was quoted as saying.
“How can we imagine that bandits are now the ones giving us ultimatum on how to relate in our community? he questioned.
“We are appealing to the government to please save us from this situation we have found ourselves in. The issue of banditry has reached its peak here; we can no longer live like normal human beings.”
Another resident identified as Alhaki Abdullahi Isa, described the situation as unbearable and called for urgent government action.
“We can no longer enjoy our stay in our community and this is very bad. It is alarming when you see someone like Turji giving us orders on how to live our lives,” he lamented.
“We are suffering in our land and it is unacceptable. We have nowhere to go. We cannot run away from our homes because of Bello Turji.”
Turji has long been one of the most bloody violent terrorist leaders in the North-West, particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto, and parts of Niger State.
Despite previous military offensives and air raids targeting his hideouts, Turji continues to operate with apparent impunity, instilling fear in rural communities.
His group has been linked to mass abductions, killings, and the destruction of villages.
The latest threat highlights the deteriorating security situation in northern Nigeria, where banditry, kidnapping, and rural terrorism have displaced thousands and disrupted farming and economic activities.
Local leaders and human rights groups have repeatedly called for a more robust and coordinated military response to dismantle Turji’s network and restore peace to the region.
