Kehinde Fajobi
Fear has swept through Zamfara State as over 50 communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area have been abandoned following threats by notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji.
Turji recently released a video warning of devastating attacks on Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Isah Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto states if his detained brother, Baka Wurgi, is not released by the military.
During a press conference in Gusau, All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi revealed the scale of the displacement.
“Since Turji’s video was released, over 50 communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area have been deserted.
“This mass exodus is a direct response to the threats made by the bandits,” he said.
Dr Shinkafi disclosed that more than 80% of Shinkafi residents had fled to neighbouring Kaura-Namoda for safety, describing the threats as an affront to national security.
“This is a direct challenge to our national security apparatus. I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the military to act decisively and protect innocent communities from imminent attacks,” he added.
The crisis stems from the December 14 arrest of Baka Wurgi, also known as Baba Na Garba, a suspected top bandit linked to the killing of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isah Mohammed Bawa, in Sokoto State.
Turji, in his video released last Wednesday, demanded his brother’s release before the end of the year and threatened widespread destruction if his demand was not met.
The mass displacement highlights the worsening insecurity in the region, with residents urging the government to take immediate action to restore peace and stability.