Zamfara State is on high alert as the deadline for the ₦30 million levy imposed by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has passed without payment. The deadline expired recently, prompting the Nigerian military to deploy additional troops to Moriki town in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
Bello Turji, a prominent bandit leader in the region, had demanded ₦30 million from the Moriki community. This levy followed an incident in which Turji’s herd of over 100 cows was reportedly killed by military personnel in Dumfawa village, located between Moriki and Shinkafi.
Daily Trust reported that the cows were seized by soldiers in August during a routine operation. This action led Turji to issue the hefty demand as retribution.
In response to the escalating threat, additional soldiers and personnel from the state’s Community Protection Guards (CPG) have been deployed to the area. Aminu Musa, a resident of Moriki, confirmed the increased security presence.
“More soldiers arrived in Moriki a few days ago,” Musa said. “The state government also sent more members of the Community Protection Guards to support the conventional security forces. We feel a bit safer with their presence.”
Despite the bolstered security, residents remain deeply concerned. Iliyasu Ali, another local resident, expressed fear that the bandits, who are known for their ruthlessness, might still pose a threat.
“There is a lot of panic among the residents,” Ali said. “The bandits are armed with more sophisticated weapons than the military. We are worried that they might attack us even with the increased security. We haven’t paid the levy, and Turji has threatened to attack our community if we don’t compensate him for the lost cows.”
The atmosphere in Moriki is tense as the community waits to see if Turji will make good on his threats. The deadline for the levy has intensified fears among the locals.
Efforts to reach the village head of Moriki, Alhaji Bashar Isma’il Ari, for comment were unsuccessful. His phone was switched off when contacted by this reporter. The silence from local leadership adds to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa, addressed the growing concerns on Tuesday. He reassured the public that the military is actively pursuing Turji.
“The days of Bello Turji are numbered,” Gen. Musa stated. “Our troops have launched a full-scale manhunt to bring him to justice. We are committed to ensuring the safety of the people in Zamfara State.”
Zamfara State has been plagued by banditry and violent attacks for years. The state government and security agencies have struggled to curb the menace of armed groups like Turji’s, who frequently extort communities and disrupt daily life.
The incident involving Turji’s cows and the subsequent levy demand highlights the ongoing tension between local communities and bandit leaders. The Nigerian military’s response reflects their ongoing efforts to combat these criminal elements.
The imposition of the levy and the threat of violence have significantly impacted Moriki’s residents. Many are living in fear, unsure of what to expect as the deadline passes. The increased security presence offers some relief, but it has not entirely alleviated the community’s anxiety.
The Federal Government has faced criticism for its handling of banditry in the region. While military operations and security measures are in place, the effectiveness of these actions is often questioned by residents who continue to suffer from the violence.
