Residents Of Sokoto Community Flee As Turji Threatens Attack

Four years after being declared wanted by the military with a ₦5 million bounty, notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji, has reportedly sacked Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Turji, a 32-year-old kingpin from Shinkaffi in Zamfara State, has been linked to violent attacks across the North-West, particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto and parts of Niger State.

A viral video on Monday showed hundreds of women and children fleeing Bargaja, struggling to board a truck with their belongings after repeated attacks by gunmen linked to Turji.

In the footage, a resident lamented the situation, saying, “The terrorists kept attacking us and killing us, we are tired and we are leaving the town.

“Even today (Sunday, March 15) we were attacked and some of us were killed but the government is doing nothing. Since the terrorists have asked us to leave the town, we are leaving already, may God intervene.”

Sources who spoke with Vanguard said the attackers had earlier issued threats ordering residents to vacate the community or face death.

Army Intervenes, Urges Residents To Stay

However, the Garrison Commander of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army said troops intervened and persuaded residents not to abandon the town.

According to him, the military assured the community of adequate protection, prompting residents to reconsider leaving.

Local sources disclosed that the latest attack occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, causing panic as villagers fled to nearby communities and Sokoto metropolis.

A security analyst, Bashiru Altine Giyawa, said Bargaja had long resisted attacks from Turji’s loyalists.

“The vigilante group confronted the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire. Unfortunately, two vigilantes lost their lives during the confrontation,” he said.

The deceased were identified as Umaru Biri and Garba Mumminu.

Residents described Bargaja as a once-thriving agrarian hub known for producing sweet potatoes, soya beans and livestock, but now reduced to a fragile settlement under constant threat.

A farmer said, “What used to be distant stories have now become our everyday life. We cannot sleep peacefully anymore.”

Neighbouring communities such as Tidibale and Katanga have also suffered repeated attacks, deepening insecurity in eastern Isa LGA.

The persistent violence has crippled economic activities, with farmlands abandoned and livestock stolen. Kidnapping for ransom has also become rampant, forcing families to sell assets to secure the release of loved ones.

Women and children have been the most affected, with many displaced and facing limited access to education and healthcare.

Despite the presence of security formations in Isa town, residents said attacks continued unabated, often without warning.

Community leaders warned that the situation is fast degenerating into a humanitarian crisis with long-term social and economic consequences.

While security forces and vigilantes continue efforts to contain the attacks, residents say gains remain limited due to the mobility of armed groups and difficult terrain.

Nevertheless, many residents expressed hope that peace would eventually return to the troubled community.