Fear Grips Zamfara as Bandit Bello Turji Demands N50 Million Ransom

Tsalaken Gulbi, Shinkafi, Zamfara, Nigeria - In recent weeks, an alarming situation has unfolded in Zamfara State, Nigeria, as notorious bandit Bello Turji has returned with renewed demands on local communities. Villagers from Tsalaken Gulbi in the Shinkafi Local Government Area are facing pressure to pay N50 million in order to farm without interference—a tactic that has bred fear and panic in the region. Reports from Legit.ng reveal that this demand extends to areas from Fakai to Qaya, close to the Nigeria-Niger border, with implications for farming season activities this year.

The climate of fear has intensified as Turji’s threats have become more pronounced. Villagers have been warned to vacate their homes or face violent reprisals before 4:00 PM, creating a state of panic that has prompted some residents to flee their homes altogether. These developments are not new; the practice of bandits imposing financial demands on local farmers has been a persistent issue in Northwest Nigeria, complicating the already challenging task of agriculture in the region. Legit.ng emphasizes that this pattern of coercion has been a significant barrier to farming.

The Military Response

Efforts to combat this wave of violence are underway, with Nigerian soldiers actively searching for Bello Turji amidst a broader military operation targeting terrorists in the area. The recent killing of Turji’s associate, Shaudo Alku, during an airstrike in Sokoto State marks a crucial development in these efforts. Alku was known for his involvement in arms supply and smuggling, and his death could disrupt Turji’s operations, albeit temporarily. The presence of the military is being viewed positively, with Zamfara’s Governor, Dauda Lawal, praising their initiatives following the elimination of another notorious bandit, Halilu Sububu, who had a massive criminal network operating in the region. According to Legit.ng, Lawal believes Sububu’s death will weaken remaining bandits like Turji, potentially restoring some semblance of safety in the area.

Governor Lawal’s optimistic tone is shared by many who view the military’s actions as vital to regaining public stability. He stated that without Sububu’s leadership, the remaining bandits would struggle to maintain their operations. As it stands, however, the threat posed by Turji continues to loom large, with past incidents of significant violence and coercion still fresh in the minds of residents. For example, Turji had previously levied an N50 million charge on the Moriki community in Zamfara after claiming losses due to the military’s interventions, even going so far as to kidnap locals to enforce his demands.

Looking Ahead

The road to recovery and stability for the communities of Zamfara and Sokoto states appears fraught with challenges. As Bello Turji continues to exert his influence through fear and violence, the crucial question remains: how will local communities navigate this treacherous landscape? The military’s ongoing operations may bring temporary relief, but lasting peace will demand sustained efforts and more comprehensive strategies to dismantle the deep-rooted networks of banditry and violence that plague this part of Nigeria.

With uncertainty clouding the future, residents are left to wonder what measures can enable them to reclaim their livelihoods and ensure safety for their families. For now, the N50 million demand remains a troubling reminder of the enduring impact of insecurity in Northwest Nigeria, while the military’s presence serves as both a shield and a potential harbinger for change.