Fear grips Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State as residents abandon their homes following threats from bandit leader Bello Turji. His name remains on Nigeria’s most-wanted list.

Over the past 72 hours, communities in Bafarawa, Arume, Gebe, and Kamarawa have emptied. Villagers report that Turji delivered an ultimatum to Kamara, Arume, and Kagara, ordering them to evacuate by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday or face deadly consequences.

Malam Shehu, an elder who fled Bafarawa, stated, “This is no empty threat. We know what Turji is capable of. We left with only the clothes on our backs.”

Turji has led violent operations across the northwest for years, leaving devastation in his wake. His reputation for brutality ensures that locals take his threats seriously.

Security Concerns and Government Silence

Residents say Turji’s warning has triggered widespread panic. More than three districts in Isa LGA are affected, forcing families, farmers, and traders to flee in large numbers.

Musa Abdullahi, a displaced resident, warned, “These threats are planned and carried out without fear of consequences. If the government does not act now, more villages will fall under siege.”

The absence of immediate government intervention has fueled growing frustration. Many believe Turji operates under the protection of influential figures.

Amina Yusuf, a civil society activist in Sokoto, expressed outrage, saying, “There’s no way a man this dangerous should be moving freely. The silence of the authorities is deafening.”

Aside from Bafarawa and surrounding villages, communities such as Surudubu, Tsullawa, and Garin Fadama remain on edge. Schools have shut down, marketplaces are abandoned, and livelihoods are crumbling.

Calls for Urgent Action Amid Mounting Crisis

Despite promises of security reinforcements, villagers remain unconvinced. Previous interventions have failed to protect vulnerable communities.

Hajiya Rabi, a mother of five who escaped from Arume, pleaded, “What we need is action, not promises. People are dying. Homes are burning. How much longer until the authorities step in?”

Civil society groups, human rights organizations, and religious leaders are urging swift action. They warn that unless decisive measures are taken, the crisis could escalate into an uncontrollable humanitarian disaster.

As night falls over the terror-stricken towns of Isa LGA, one question remains unanswered: How many more warnings must come before the government moves to end Turji’s reign of terror?

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