Residents of Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State are fleeing en masse following chilling threats from the notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji, who remains high on the nation’s most-wanted list.
Communities in Bafarawa, Arume, Gebe, and Kamarawa have witnessed a mass exodus over the past 72 hours. According to terrified locals, Turji delivered an ultimatum to neighboring settlements—Kamara, Arume, and Kagara—demanding that they vacate their villages by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday or face brutal consequences.
“This is no empty threat. We know what Turji is capable of. We left with only the clothes on our backs,” said Malam Shehu, a displaced elder from Bafarawa now taking refuge in a nearby village.
The infamous bandit leader has long been at the heart of the insurgency plaguing northwest Nigeria. His threats are taken seriously not only because of his record but because of the silence that often follows them—an eerie stillness before another tragedy unfolds.
Local sources report that Turji’s renewed threats have sparked panic across at least three districts in Isa LGA, triggering large-scale displacement of families, farmers, and traders.
“This is beyond just another attack. These threats are calculated, organized, and carried out with impunity. If the government continues to look away, more communities will fall under siege,” said Musa Abdullahi, a resident who fled from Kagara.
Amid the growing chaos, residents expressed frustration at the lack of a coordinated government response. Many allege that Turji is operating with protection from unnamed actors, fueling speculation and deepening resentment.
“There’s no way a man this dangerous should be moving freely. The silence of the authorities is deafening,” said Amina Yusuf, a civil society advocate based in Sokoto.
The impact is far-reaching. Aside from Bafarawa and the named villages, others such as Surudubu, Tsullawa, and Garin Fadama are also reportedly on edge. Entire communities now face an uncertain future as schools close, markets are deserted, and livelihoods are destroyed.
Despite assurances of security deployments, residents remain skeptical. Many argue that previous interventions have failed to provide meaningful protection or deter further attacks.
“What we need is not just presence but action. People are dying, and homes are being burnt. What more will it take for the authorities to act decisively?” asked Hajiya Rabi, a mother of five who escaped from Arume.
Civil society groups, human rights organizations, and religious leaders have joined in the call for urgent intervention, warning that the situation could spiral into a full-blown humanitarian crisis if not swiftly addressed.
As dusk falls on the frightened towns of Isa LGA, the question lingers in the air: How many more warnings must come before the government acts decisively to stop the terror reign of Bello Turji?
