Suspected armed bandits linked to notorious kingpin Bello Turji have launched another violent attack in Sokoto State, killing one resident and abducting 16 others in Garki village.
The assault, which occurred on Tuesday evening, was confirmed by security analyst Zagazola Makama in a social media post on Wednesday.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers, led by a senior Turji lieutenant identified as Kallamu, stormed the community in large numbers, firing indiscriminately to terrorise residents.
“They took away 16 people, killed one man, and stole several livestock. Three others sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical treatment in Sokoto,” a local source revealed.
The attack comes amid ongoing discussions about potential peace negotiations between Turji’s faction and government intermediaries. However, security sources have raised concerns about the sincerity of such talks, noting that the latest violence contradicts claims of a ceasefire.
“Bello Turji has repeatedly exploited peace dialogues as a smokescreen to regroup, rearm, and strengthen his operations. His fighters continue to carry out kidnappings and killings even during supposed negotiations,” a security insider disclosed.
Intelligence reports indicate that Turji’s network remains highly active across the Isa, Sabon Birni, and Goronyo areas, with many of his militants involved in cross-border criminal activities between Nigeria and the Niger Republic.
The incident has further heightened fears among residents in Sokoto’s vulnerable communities, who face persistent threats from armed groups despite military operations in the region. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the attack or ongoing efforts to secure the release of the abducted villagers.
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