Bello Turji’s gang kill five, abduct nine in fresh Sokoto raid

Armed bandits led by notorious warlord Bello Turji have reportedly killed five people and abducted nine others during an attack on Bargaja village in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The assailants, who invaded the community in the early hours of Saturday, also injured a member of the Community Guard Corps.

Local activist, Basharu Altine Guyawa had earlier raised alarm over the movement of Turji’s gang, warning that they were seen heading towards Isa LGA from the Shinkafi axis in neighbouring Zamfara State.

Guyawa alleged that despite his alert, security agencies and local authorities failed to take preventive action.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Isa Local Government Area, Sharehu Abubakar Kamarawa, denied claims of negligence, saying the council had mobilised security guards and alerted relevant agencies immediately after receiving the report.

He said security personnel were deployed to the area, but the bandits diverted through another route, leading to the attack.

Kamarawa disclosed that the security commander in charge of the area had been replaced following lapses in response and coordination.

The latest assault adds to a series of attacks by armed groups across parts of Sokoto State, particularly in the eastern axis, where rural communities remain under persistent threat despite ongoing security operations.