Bello Turji’s gang defies peace deal, abducts 16, kills 1 in fresh Sokoto attack
Men loyal to notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji have once again defied a supposed peace deal by attacking Garki village in Sokoto State.
The assault, which took place on Wednesday evening, resulted in the abduction of 16 residents, the death of one person, and the rustling of several livestock.
According to reports, the raid was led by one of Turji’s lieutenants, Kallamu. Witnesses described the gunmen arriving in large numbers, firing indiscriminately to create panic before taking hostages and stealing animals.
READ ALSO: Bandit kingpin Bello Turji agrees to peace pact, releases hostages in Zamfara
A resident recounted, “They came in large numbers, took away 16 people, killed one man, and rustled several livestock. They also shot three people who are now receiving treatment at a hospital in Sokoto.”
The attack has raised serious doubts about the sincerity of Turji’s dialogue with government mediators and Islamic clerics. Security expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the incident, stating the operation was well-coordinated and consistent with Turji’s past tactics.
A security source further told News Point Nigeria that the latest attack highlights the unreliability of Turji’s promises. “Bello Turji has repeatedly used so-called peace talks as a cover to regroup, resupply, and expand his influence,” the source said. “He cannot be trusted because every time there’s dialogue, his men continue to attack, abduct, and kill.”
READ ALSO: Bandits kill over 20 in Sokoto community attack
Intelligence reports indicate that Turji’s network remains active across the Isa, Sabon Birni, and Goronyo areas, with some fighters allegedly involved in cross-border trafficking between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
The recent attack is part of a series of violent incidents linked to Turji’s loyalists, who have been associated with mass kidnappings, extortion, and assaults on security personnel.
As a result, Garki residents are living in fear, with many considering relocating. The community is now calling for a decisive military operation to dismantle Turji’s network for good.
As of press time, no arrests have been announced, and the location of the abducted victims remains unknown.
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