Stakeholders from Sokoto State’s Eastern Senatorial District have raised the alarm over renewed threats allegedly issued by notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, calling on government and security agencies to urgently intervene to protect affected communities.
The Secretary of the Sokoto Eastern Zone Development Association, Muazu Shamaki, confirmed that reports and videos circulating on social media, showing residents fleeing Tidibale community, followed fresh threats attributed to the bandit leader.
He said the situation has forced many families out of their homes, exposing them to severe hardship.
Shamaki disclosed that no fewer than 20 settlements in the zone have been impacted by the threats and the resulting displacement, adding that residents are hopeful security agencies will reclaim the areas to allow them return to their ancestral homes.
Another community leader, Malam Bashar Guyawa-Isa, revealed that some displaced persons have crossed into neighbouring communities in the Niger Republic in search of safety, while several villages within the state have been completely deserted.
He appealed for swift government intervention to prevent further escalation and address the growing humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, fear continues to grip many parts of Sokoto State, as families reportedly flee their homes amid threats of attacks by Turji and his group.
Unverified social media videos showing residents escaping in overcrowded vehicles have further highlighted the worsening security and humanitarian situation in the area.