Bello Turji’s fighters kill soldier, abduct dozens in Sokoto raids

Troops

Bandits loyal to the notorious warlord, Bello Turji, have carried out coordinated assaults on communities in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing scores and abducting dozens in a three-day wave of violence between Wednesday, August 14, and Friday, August 16.

The attacks claimed the lives of villagers, a soldier, and a vigilante, while many residents remain unaccounted for.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen moved from settlement to settlement, terrorising communities and seizing captives.

“On Wednesday, they ambushed travellers along the Yankasuwa–Masawa Road, intercepting vehicles and abducting everyone on board,” a survivor recounted.

“By Thursday, they had struck Garki village, taking 16 residents. One of the captives was later killed, another released, while the bandits rustled three cows.

“On Friday, they stormed Turtsawa and Faru villages near Sabon Birni town, where 28 villagers were abducted. Families are still searching for loved ones,” the witness added.

The Movement for Social Justice in Sokoto State, which has been tracking the crisis, confirmed the casualty figures. Punch