At least three people were killed on Saturday night in a fresh attack by suspected bandits in Bargaja community, Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Residents said the raid was carried out late at night, leaving the community in shock and fear.
Sources reported that the attack was led by the notorious bandit Bello Turji and his group. The armed men stormed the community, targeting residents and causing widespread panic. During the attack, several women and children were abducted, although the exact number of victims is yet to be confirmed.
“Last night, notorious Bello Turji bandits gang attacked the Bargaja community in Isa LGA of Sokoto State, resulting in the deaths of three people. Several women and children were also abducted, though the exact number remains unconfirmed,” a local source said.
Bello Turji is a well-known figure in Nigeria’s banditry landscape. He has been linked to multiple attacks across the northwest, particularly in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina States. His group is notorious for violent raids on villages, abductions for ransom, and clashes with security forces.
Residents of Bargaja said the attack began around 10 pm, when most people were already asleep. Witnesses said the gunmen fired sporadically, forcing families to flee into the bush. Several homes were reportedly damaged during the raid.
Local security sources confirmed that the area has been a recurring target for bandits due to its remote location and limited security presence. The community is largely agricultural, with residents relying on farming and small-scale trading for livelihood. Such attacks disrupt economic activities and create fear among the population.
Abductions by bandits have become a major security concern in Sokoto State and other northwestern regions. In recent years, bandit groups have frequently attacked rural communities, demanding ransom payments and targeting vulnerable residents. Women and children are often kidnapped and held for weeks before negotiations lead to their release.
Despite repeated interventions by security forces, bandit attacks continue, partly due to the difficult terrain and the mobility of the gangs. Bello Turji’s group, in particular, has remained active and resilient, often evading capture even after military operations.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Sokoto State Government nor security agencies had released an official statement regarding the attack. Residents expressed frustration over what they described as inadequate protection, calling for urgent action to prevent further violence.
Community leaders have urged the government to strengthen security in the Isa Local Government Area. They said the attacks not only cause loss of life but also create long-term fear that disrupts daily activities and economic growth.
“The people of Bargaja are living in constant fear. Every night, we wonder if we will be attacked again. We need the government and security forces to come to our aid,” one community elder said.
Bello Turji’s attacks are part of a broader pattern of insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest. Sokoto State has experienced multiple violent incidents in recent months, including raids, kidnappings, and clashes with security forces. Villagers often face the dilemma of staying at home or fleeing, as bandits target anyone perceived as vulnerable.
Residents of Bargaja are now calling on the government to increase patrols, deploy more security personnel, and establish early warning systems to prevent future attacks. They also urged community vigilance to help security agencies identify bandits’ movements.
The recent attack underscores the persistent challenge of banditry in Nigeria and the urgent need for coordinated action to protect citizens. Analysts warn that without strengthened security measures, communities like Bargaja will continue to suffer devastating losses.
Authorities are expected to conduct investigations into the raid, assess the situation, and coordinate rescue efforts for the abducted women and children. Meanwhile, local residents remain on high alert, hoping for swift intervention to restore safety and order.
The attack in Bargaja is a grim reminder of the dangers faced by rural communities in the northwest. While Bello Turji and his gang continue to operate, the people of Sokoto State are appealing to the government for security, justice, and the restoration of peace.
