Bandit Leader Bello Turji Imposes ₦25 Million Levy on Sokoto Communities

Residents of Sabon Birni Local Government Area in Sokoto State are under pressure to pay a ₦25 million levy demanded by a notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji. This demand follows the killing of one of his gang members and the loss of weapons during a clash with military forces.

Hon. Aminu Boza, a Sokoto State House of Assembly member representing Sabon Birni West, confirmed that several villages, including Garin Idi, the hometown of Deputy Governor Idris Mohammed Gobir are affected. Initially, Turji set the levy at ₦25 million but later reduced it to ₦22 million after negotiations.

In addition to this financial demand, families of 13 worshippers abducted in the area two weeks ago are being pressured to pay ₦250,000 each for their release. So far, five hostages have regained freedom after their relatives met the ransom requirements.

Boza criticized the inconsistent presence of security forces in the region, noting that military troops withdraw too soon after operations, leaving communities vulnerable to retaliatory attacks. He called for continuous security intervention in eastern Sokoto to safeguard residents from further threats.

The situation underscores the persistent security crisis in Sokoto State, where banditry and kidnappings remain major concerns for local communities.