Panic has returned to parts of eastern Sokoto State as residents of several rural communities, particularly Tidibale in Isa Local Government Area, flee their homes following renewed threats by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.
Locals say the warning, which came after months of relative quiet, has sparked fear across farming settlements, forcing families to abandon their homes and farmlands in search of safety.
Many displaced residents are reported to have moved to Isa town, Gidan Hamisu and neighbouring communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Community sources told Radio Nigeria that women, children and the elderly make up a large number of those affected, while farmers who should be preparing for the next planting season are now sheltering with relatives or in temporary camps.
A resident who fled the area said survival had become the priority. “We left everything behind. Life is more important than crops,” the source said.
A video circulating online shows long convoys of vehicles conveying people and their belongings out of the threatened villages.
Security analysts in the area believe the latest threat is an attempt by Turji to reassert influence after a lull in his activities, warning of severe consequences for communities that refuse to align with him.
Public affairs commentator Altine Guyawa said such threats often follow periods of silence and are meant to remind both residents and authorities of a bandit leader’s presence.
Meanwhile, some communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, including Shinkafi town, Katuru, Jangeru and Kanwa, are said to have entered into a non-aggression arrangement with the bandit leader.
Residents described the move as a desperate survival strategy rather than an endorsement of criminality.
Five killed in Benue midnight attack
In a related development, at least five persons have been killed in a midnight attack on Otobi Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Among the victims was a former councillor and 2019 House of Assembly candidate, Mr. Igbabe Ochi.
Local sources said the attackers, suspected to be armed herdsmen, struck around 1:30 a.m., opening fire on residents at a provision shop before fleeing into nearby bushes.
The Benue State Civil Protection Guards confirmed the incident, noting that tension has remained high in the community amid repeated cases of kidnapping and violence.
US delivers military supplies to Nigeria
Against the backdrop of rising insecurity, the United States government has delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria to support ongoing security operations.
The delivery was confirmed by the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, which said the items were handed over to Nigerian authorities in Abuja.
The command said the move underscores Washington’s commitment to strengthening its security partnership with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
Reacting, former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani described the support as timely, urging other international partners to provide similar assistance to help Nigeria confront insecurity, particularly in the North-West.
Security agencies have yet to issue fresh statements on the latest threats in Sokoto, as displaced residents continue to await assurances of safety before returning to their communities.