SOKOTO STATE – Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has imposed a N22 million levy on four villages in Sokoto State. This action follows the death of a gang member and the reported loss of firearms during a recent military operation.
Aminu Boza, a lawmaker representing Sabon Birni West in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, confirmed the demand. One affected village is Garin Idi, the hometown of Deputy Governor Idris Gobir.
Boza stated that Turji, who recently relocated to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area (LGA), initially demanded N25 million. After negotiations with villagers, the levy was reduced to N22 million. Boza compared Turji to “a businessman who has multiple shops and is going around to supervise them.”
The lawmaker criticized the military for its intermittent presence in the area. He argued that this inconsistency leaves villages exposed to bandit attacks. He urged the military to increase and sustain operations in eastern Sokoto, stressing that constant military action is vital for restoring peace.
In a seperate incident, Turji is also demanding N250,000 from the families of each of 13 abducted worshippers. Five of the captives have already been released after their families paid the demanded ransom. The imposed levy highlights the continued, and dangerous, security issues within the state.
