Residents of several communities in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State are fleeing their homes following fresh threats from notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, who has reportedly warned locals to vacate or face violent attacks.
Sources say residents of Bafarawa, Kamara, Arume, and Kagara villages began leaving en masse after receiving an ultimatum from Turji, demanding they vacate by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. The threats have created widespread panic and forced many families into displacement, with fears growing over possible attacks.
Isa LGA has long been a hotspot for banditry in Sokoto, and Turji is known to be one of the most feared figures behind many deadly raids in the area. Residents of nearby villages such as Surudubu, Gebe, Tsullawa, and Garin Fadama are also reported to be on edge, with some already fleeing.
Community members have criticized what they see as a weak response from authorities, accusing unnamed actors of shielding the bandit leader. “These threats are not random. They are strategic. If nothing is done, more villages will suffer,” a fleeing resident told reporters.
In response, the Sokoto State Police Command said it has deployed officers to the area. Police spokesperson ASP Ahmed Rufai confirmed that personnel have been on the ground for the past three days, although no formal complaint had yet been received about the threats.
As fear spreads and displacement increases, civil society groups and locals are calling for urgent action from both state and federal governments to protect lives and restore peace.
