A bandit attack in Sokoto has left 11 farmers dead as notorious gang leader Bello Turji and his men struck on their way from a Sallah visit
Eleven farmers were brutally murdered in an attack in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday, 3rd April.
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The assailants, led by the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, struck as they returned from a Sallah visit, leaving the community in shock and fear.
Basharu Altine Giyawa, a resident of Isa, confirmed the attack and revealed that locals had been aware of Turji’s planned visit to Gatawa in Sabon Birni Local Government Area since Saturday.
Concerned residents had alerted security agencies about the movement of the bandit leader, but no effective action was taken.
According to Giyawa, Turji and his men left Fakai, a village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and passed through several communities in Isa before attending their Sallah celebrations.
On their way back, they mercilessly killed 11 farmers.
Local security official Sani Abubakar confirmed the incident, stating that intelligence reports had indeed warned of Turji’s movement.
However, he denied claims that the bandit leader had celebrated Sallah in any community within his jurisdiction.
“Yes, we received reports about his planned visit to eastern Gatawa and took preventive measures.
We deployed security in Sabon Birni to block his entry. This may have frustrated him and led to the attack on innocent farmers in Isa,” Abubakar explained.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command has distanced itself from confirming the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, stated that only the military could verify the attack, as they are responsible for security operations in the area.
This attack is yet another grim reminder of the security crisis plaguing northern Nigeria. Armed bandit groups, often heavily armed and highly mobile, continue to terrorise rural communities, displacing thousands and disrupting agricultural activities.
Despite government efforts, many affected communities remain vulnerable due to inadequate security responses.
Residents of Isa are now calling for urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed and ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice.
