Bello Turji Imposes N22 Million Levy on Sokoto Villages After Gang Member’s Death

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly imposed a N22 million levy on four villages in Sokoto State following the killing of one of his gang members during a military operation. Local sources claim the levy is also intended to compensate for missing firearms lost during the raid.

Aminu Boza, a lawmaker representing Sabon Birni West in the Sokoto House of Assembly, identified one of the affected villages as Garin Idi, the hometown of Idris Gobir, the state’s deputy governor. Boza also revealed that Turji has relocated his base to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area, where he met with villagers to negotiate the levy, ultimately reducing it from N25 million to N22 million.

Boza criticized the military’s failure to sustain operations in the region, stating that their withdrawal exposes villages to relentless attacks. He emphasized that bandits retaliate against local communities whenever security forces pull back, urging the military to intensify and maintain their presence to restore peace.

The lawmaker expressed frustration over repeated assurances from defense ministers that banditry in Sokoto would soon be eradicated. Despite these promises, violent attacks persist. He cited a recent incident in which six members of the Sokoto community guards were killed by bandits.

In addition to the levy, Turji has allegedly demanded N250,000 from each family of the 13 worshippers abducted in Sabon Birni LGA about two weeks ago. Reports indicate that five captives have been released after their families paid the ransom.