By Shafaatu Suleiman, Sokoto
The memory of that fateful day still haunts Alhaji Adamu Tajiji Bafarawa. He witnessed the brutal murder of a man who had been brought before the District Head of Bafarawa (Sarkin Gabas) for questioning over a crime he was alleged to have committed.
“Suddenly, bandits appeared out of nowhere, forcefully seized the suspect, and shot him in full view of the public.” The trauma from the incident severely affected Alhaji Adamu’s health, leading to high blood pressure.
That night, as he returned home, bandits again attacked his neighbour’s house. The sound of gunfire sent him into a state of panic. Overcome with fear, he collapsed and died on the spot.
This heartbreaking episode is just one of many in Bafarawa, a town in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which has become a hotspot for banditry and kidnapping. This week alone has seen a spike in violent attacks. Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is reportedly behind the latest threats, warning residents to vacate their homes or face deadly consequences.
The threat has sparked mass panic and displacement, with families fleeing in fear of further attacks. Sources in the affected areas have decried what they describe as the government’s inadequate response, even suggesting the existence of a “seeming protection” for Turji by unknown actors.
This incident is emblematic of a broader pattern of violence orchestrated by Turji, whose operations have intensified across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger states. Turji’s imposition of levies on communities, coupled with his group’s violent reprisals, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region.
His presence is formidable in Isa and Sabon Birni areas of Sokoto State, where he has reportedly imposed levies of up to ₦25 million in many villages. These demands are often enforced through threats of violence, leading to mass displacements and economic hardship for affected communities.
Despite military operations targeting his network, Turji has demonstrated resilience, relocating his base to strategic locations. This mobility allows him to evade security forces and maintain control over his operations, which include kidnappings, extortion, and attacks on both civilians and security personnel.
His activities and those of similar bandit groups have led to significant humanitarian challenges. According to recent reports, at least 247,000 individuals have been displaced due to ongoing violence in northwestern Nigeria, with over 120 villages destroyed. Many of the displaced persons have sought refuge in neighbouring regions, including Niger’s Maradi Region, where cross-border attacks continue to pose threats.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Nigerian military has intensified operations against bandit groups. Notably, troops have reportedly killed several of Turji’s key commanders and fighters in recent offensives. However, the persistence of attacks suggests that more comprehensive and sustained efforts are necessary to dismantle these networks effectively.
The situation in Bafarawa and the broader northwestern region reflects a complex security challenge that requires coordinated action from federal, state, and local authorities. Addressing the root causes of banditry, enhancing intelligence capabilities, and fostering community engagement are critical steps toward restoring peace and stability in the affected areas, said Basharu Altine, a security analyst in Sokoto.