Chaotic Escalation: Bello Turji's Bandits Force Mass Exodus in Sokoto State
Rash Bandit Raid Causes More Than 20 Sokoto Villages to Abandon Homes
In a grim turn of events, villages in Sokoto State are emptied, as residents flee due to relentless attacks orchestrated by Bello Turji's loyal followers.
According to our sources, more than 20 villages in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area are now deserted, with terrified villagers seeking refuge in Gatawa town. Gatawa, a tranquil town in Sabon Birni, has been dramatically transformed into a makeshift shelter for the displaced.
In a candid chat with Punch, Mallam Saminu, a Gatawa resident, confirmed the ongoing displacement. He shared, "Indeed, it's a distressing scene. People from numerous nearby villages have been driven from their homes and have taken refuge here due to escalating threats and assaults from one of Turji's trusted allies."
The displaced villagers are scattered among relatives' homes in town, while others are provided temporary shelter in two secondary schools - one near the military camp and another within the heart of Gatawa.
The devastated villages include Makira, Shabanza, Katsalle, Dan Kura, Garin Tunkiya, Dama, Dan Tazako I, II, and III, Gaugai, and others. The pain of exile has become unsettlingly familiar for these communities, highlighting the fragile security situation in Sokoto's eastern regions.
The persistent attacks continue to wreak havoc despite ongoing military operations aimed at curbing banditry and maintaining peace in the region. The increasing anxiety and uncertainty among the residents underscore the challenges faced by the authorities as they strive to restore security.
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Enrichment Data:
Current Displacement:
- At least 20 villages in Sabon Birni Local Government Area (LGA) were sacked in coordinated attacks on May 4–5, 2025, forcing residents to flee to Gatawa town. Displaced communities are sheltering in schools and with relatives, amid fears of further violence.[1][5] Earlier attacks in April also displaced Kaibaba (Isa LGA) residents, with many kidnapped.[2]
Affected Villages:
- Recent raids targeted:
- Sabon Birni LGA: Makira, Shabanza, Katsalle, Dan Kura, Garin Tunkiya, Dama, Dan Tazako I/II/III, Gaugai[1][5].
- Isa LGA: Kaibaba village (April 6 attack)[2].
- Tangaza LGA: Magonho village (May 2 attack)[3].
- Gwadabawa LGA: Communities unnamed in reports[4].
Security Measures:
- Military Pursuits: Troops from the Forward Operating Base in Masallaci reclaimed stolen livestock after the Tangaza attack and launched forest operations to retrieve bodies.[3]
- Joint Operations: Security forces initiated a manhunt following Gwadabawa and Sabon Birni attacks, though specifics remain undisclosed.[4]
- Limited Official Response: As of May 5, Sokoto’s Special Adviser on Security and Police PRO had not provided detailed statements.[1][4]
The persistent absence of a cohesive security strategy has left vigilante groups vulnerable, as seen in Tangaza, where 11 vigilantes were killed confronting heavily armed bandits.[3][4]
- The mass exodus in Sokoto State continues, as residents of villages like Makira, Shabanza, Katsalle, Dan Kura, Garin Tunkiya, Dama, Dan Tazako I, II, and III, Gaugai, and others flee due to the relentless attacks by Bello Turji's loyal bandits.
- The Sabon Birni Local Government Area has seen at least 20 villages deserted, with terrified villagers seeking refuge in the tranquil town of Gatawa.
- In Gatawa, there have been arrests of suspected terrorists and the seizure of firearms, as confirmed by recent general news and crime-and-justice reports.
4.ording to a resident of Gatawa, Mallam Saminu, various displaced villagers from nearby communities are taking shelter in the town due to escalating threats and assaults from one of Turji's allies.
- Despite ongoing military operations aimed at curbing banditry, the persistent attacks continue to wreak havoc, with the increasing anxiety and uncertainty among the residents underscoring the challenges faced by the authorities.
- The ongoing violence in Sokoto State has been well-documented, with recent incidents including the brutal onslaught in Lakurawa that claimed 13 lives, and the raids in villages like Kaibaba, Magonho, and others in the Isa, Tangaza, and Gwadabawa Local Government Areas.
- As the war-and-conflicts and politics of the region continue to unfold, the displaced villagers hope for a swift restoration of security andthe return to their homes, away from the chaos and violence of their current existence.
