The recently issued threat of attacks by gunmen loyal to the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has forced residents of Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State to flee their community to the Niger Republic.
It was gathered that some displaced residents have lamented increased banditry in the area, saying their family members are undertaking huge risks to move to the West African country.
The Secretary of the Sokoto Eastern Zone Development Association, Professor Muazu Shamaki, in an interview with Punch, stated that the exodus began last Friday after Turji issued threats to settlements around Tidibali, a community within the council.
Shamaki said over 20 settlements across different parts of the local government area have been evacuated in response to the threats.
He said, “People in the local government area received threats from bandits. Since last Friday, many residents have been rushing to the local government headquarters to lodge complaints.”
Similarly, a former resident of Sokoto, Mohammed Saleh, who is currently in Dole Kena, a border community between Nigeria and the Niger Republic in the Sabon Birni area of Sokoto State, said many residents embarked on dangerous cross-border journeys in search of safety.
He said, uncertainty continues to loom large for those still trapped in the affected communities.
Saleh stated, “A lot of people have travelled to the Niger Republic to join their families, some with their wives and children, others even with their parents. Those of us here cannot really state the condition of everyone in Niger right now.
“For us that are still here, we don’t know what our fate will be.”
He further added that some residents were intercepted by authorities after crossing the border and sent back to Nigeria.
Saleh said that despite the risks, many residents still considered fleeing safer than remaining behind.
He stated, “Upon crossing the border, some of us were arrested by authorities and returned to our country.
The journey was not easy; it was actually hazardous. Nevertheless, it is safer for us to go than to stay.”
According to him, the latest wave of attacks began about three weeks ago, stressing that kidnappings had become rampant, with families struggling to raise ransom for abducted relatives.
He added, “My elder brother was also kidnapped, and they demanded millions of naira for his release. We took the money to them, yet they did not release him.
“We took N5m to them. They still demanded an additional N2.5m before releasing him.”
Also speaking, a 75-year-old farmer, Sarkin Noma of Tidibale, said insecurity in the area had persisted for years with no sign of easing.
He revealed that bandits frequently abduct residents and demand ransom, but in many cases, victims are not released even after payment.
Tidibale noted that the worsening situation had forced many residents to flee to the neighbouring Niger Republic using bad and unsafe routes.
He stated, “I cannot even say how many people have gone to Niger. Even my son and others are there with their families.
“The journey is not easy, and at my age, I cannot cross the border.”
Another displaced resident, 66-year-old Mallam Ibrahim, said he fled his community about a week ago following threats linked to Turji.
He added, “I had to run away with my family. We are hiding here for now.
“We heard that security personnel have been deployed and that some people have returned, but we will wait for more information before going back.”
Despite the declaration of a state of emergency by President Tinubu, the insecurity in the country has continued to worsen as security operatives struggle to contain criminal groups.
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