Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly imposed a N22 million levy on four villages in Sokoto State.
Aminu Boza, the lawmaker representing Sabon Birni West in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, disclosed that one of the affected villages is Garin Idi, the hometown of Deputy Governor Idris Gobir.
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Turji, who has reportedly relocated to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area, met with villagers for negotiations, leading to a reduction of the initial N25 million demand to N22 million. This follows a recent military operation that resulted in the death of one of his gang members and the alleged loss of some firearms.
Boza criticized the military for failing to maintain a consistent presence in the area, which he said leaves residents vulnerable to attacks whenever security forces withdraw. Despite assurances from the Ministry of Defence, banditry continues to pose a major threat, with a recent attack claiming the lives of six members of the Sokoto Community Guards.
Aside from the imposed levy, Turji is also demanding N250,000 from the families of 13 worshippers kidnapped in Sabon Birni LGA. So far, five hostages have regained their freedom after their families paid the ransom.
Boza urged the military to step up and sustain operations in eastern Sokoto to tackle banditry and protect local communities from further attacks.
