Bello Turji’s Bandits Kill Scores, Kidnap Villagers in Sokoto

Armed bandits loyal to notorious warlord Bello Turji have carried out a wave of deadly attacks across Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing several people and abducting dozens between August 14 and 16.

According to counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, the assaults began on Wednesday with the ambush of travellers along the Yankasuwa–Masawa road, where passengers were abducted. On Thursday, Garki village was attacked, resulting in one death, the abduction of 16 people, and the theft of three cows. The violence escalated on Friday with raids on Turtsawa and Faru villages, where 28 residents were seized.

Victims reportedly include a soldier, a vigilante member, and multiple civilians. Many abductees remain missing.

The Movement for Social Justice, a Sokoto-based civil society group, condemned the continued violence and urged the state government to act decisively, noting that the attacks occurred despite ongoing claims of peace negotiations.

Last week, the Defence Headquarters refuted reports of Turji’s surrender, confirming he remains on the military’s wanted list. Turji is linked to numerous deadly raids and mass abductions across Sokoto and Zamfara States.