Bello Turji ‘imposes N22m levy’ on Sokoto communities ‘over slain gang member’

Bello Turji, the notorious bandit leader, has allegedly imposed a N22 million levy on four villages in Sokoto state following the killing of one of his men during a military operation in the area.

According to Daily Trust, locals said the levy is also meant to compensate for missing firearms during the raid.

The report noted that Aminu Boza, a lawmaker representing Sabon Birni west in the Sokoto house of assembly, identified one of the affected villages as Garin Idi, the hometown of Idris Gobir, the state’s deputy governor.

Boza also noted that Turji had relocated his base to the eastern part of Isa LGA of Sokoto.

“He is just like a businessman who has multiple shops and is going around to supervise them. He is currently in the eastern part of Isa,” Daily Trust quoted the lawmaker as saying.

“That was where the villagers met him for negotiation, and he reduced the money from N25 million to N22 million.”

The lawmaker berated the military for failing to sustain operations in the area, saying their withdrawal leaves villages vulnerable to attacks.

“I have always criticised the military for not sustaining their operation in the eastern part of Sokoto because anytime they withdraw, it is the villages that bear the brunt,” he added.

“Because the bandits always vent their anger on the villagers.

“The ministers of defence have visited Sokoto about four times and assured our people that banditry would soon be a thing of the past.

“But look at it, the bandits are still attacking our people. A few days ago, they killed six operatives of the Sokoto community guards.

“I am appealing to the military to intensify and sustain their operation in the eastern part of Sokoto. This is the only way to restore total peace in the area.”

Boza added that Turji is demanding N250,000 from each family of the 13 worshippers abducted in Sabon Birni LGA about two weeks ago.

“They have so far released five captives after their families paid the money,” he said.