Residents of Tidibale, a small agrarian community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, are fleeing in large numbers after fresh threats from notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji.

The warning, delivered after months of relative silence, has sparked panic across Sokoto East, forcing families to abandon homes and farmlands.

Many have fled to Isa, Gidan Hamisu, and neighbouring Shinkafi in Zamfara State, seeking refuge.

Locals say Turji is attempting to reassert relevance, warning of “dire consequences” for communities that have not aligned with him.

Women, children, and the elderly are among those displaced, with farmers now sheltering in overcrowded homes or makeshift camps.

“We left everything behind; life is more important than crops,” one resident reportedly told another online news media.

Benue Attack Leaves Five Dead

Meanwhile, in a parallel development, suspected armed herdsmen attacked Otobi Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, killing at least five people, including former councillor and 2019 PDP House of Assembly candidate Mr. Igbabe Ochi.

Witnesses said the attackers stormed a provision shop around 1:30 a.m., killing four men and a woman before looting food items.

The victims were identified as Igbabe Ochi, Achibi Onah, Eje Eba, and Sunday Iruja.

The Benue State Civil Protection Guards confirmed the incident, while community leaders warned of rising insecurity and repeated kidnappings in the area.

The dual crises illustrates that Nigeria’s insecurity is far from over: mass displacement in Sokoto, and deadly attacks in Benue and elsewhere.