Additional soldiers have been deployed to Moriki town in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State following the expiration of a N30 million levy imposed on the community by notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
The levy was demanded after the killing of over 100 of Turji’s cows, allegedly by military personnel three weeks ago.
The cows were reportedly intercepted by soldiers at Dumfawa, a village between Moriki and Shinkafi, in August.
A local resident, Aminu Musa, confirmed the deployment of more soldiers to the area and the presence of the state’s Community Protection Guards (CPG), sent by the Zamfara State Government to bolster security efforts.
“The presence of security personnel gives us a kind of relief. The leader of the troop had assured us of the adequate protection of our lives,” he said.
However, despite the increased security, anxiety persists among the residents. Another resident, Iliyasu Ali, expressed concern about potential retaliation by Turji’s group.
“There is panic and worry among the residents… These bandits are heartless. They could dare the military personnel and attack the community. They are carrying more sophisticated weapons than the military,” he said.
He also noted that the community had not paid the imposed levy, increasing fears of an impending attack.
“Only God knows what will happen from today onward. Turji has promised to sack this community if we fail to compensate for his missing cows,” Ali added.
Attempts to contact the village head of Moriki, Alhaji Bashar Isma’il Ari, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, addressed the situation on Tuesday, stating that Turji’s days are numbered. He announced that security forces had launched a manhunt for the notorious bandit leader.