Sokoto State is reeling from the aftermath of a military operation that killed one of Bello Turji's men and led to the loss of firearms. In retaliation, the notorious bandit leader has imposed a hefty N22 million levy on four villages, including Garin Idi, the hometown of Deputy Governor Engineer Idris Gobir.
Locals report that Turji has relocated his base to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area, where he negotiated the reduced levy with villagers. Hon. Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, criticized the military for failing to sustain operations in the area, leaving villagers vulnerable to bandit attacks.
Boza expressed frustration over the ongoing security challenges, citing the recent killing of six Sokoto Community Guards operatives. He appealed to the military to intensify and sustain their operations to restore peace in the area.
In a related development, Turji has demanded N250,000 ransom from each family of the 13 worshippers abducted in Sabon Birni Local Government. Five captives have been released after their families paid the ransom.