- Over 50 communities in Zamfara State’s Shinkafi Local Government Area have fled due to threats from bandit kingpin Bello Turji.
- Turji demanded the release of his brother, Baka Wurgi, from military detention.
- The communities have deserted their homes and fled to neighboring Kaura-Namoda for safety.
- The situation has raised concerns about the growing insecurity in the region.
- The government has been urged to take swift action to neutralize Turji and prevent further attacks.
Zamfara State Plagued by Fear as Bandit Threats Force Mass Exodus
Over 50 communities in Zamfara State’s Shinkafi Local Government Area have been abandoned due to threats from notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji. The armed gang leader warned of devastating attacks on Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Isah Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto states unless his brother, Baka Wurgi, is freed from military detention.
Mass Displacement and Fear
Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, an All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, revealed that over 80% of Shinkafi residents have fled to neighboring Kaura-Namoda for safety. “Since Turji’s video was released, over 50 communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area have been deserted,” Dr. Shinkafi stated.
Government Urged to Act
Dr. Shinkafi condemned the threats, describing them as an insult to the Nigerian military and other security agencies. He urged swift action from the government to neutralize Turji and prevent the looming catastrophe. “This is a direct challenge to our national security apparatus,” Shinkafi stated. “I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the military to act decisively and protect innocent communities from imminent attacks.”
Background of the Crisis
The situation stems from the December 14 arrest of Baka Wurgi, a suspected top bandit involved in the killing of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isah Mohammed Bawa, in Sokoto State. The mass displacement underscores the growing insecurity in the region, with residents calling on the government to restore peace and stability to their communities.
Economic Impact of Insecurity
The insecurity in Nigeria has severe economic implications, affecting price, output, employment, trade balance, poverty, inequality, defense expenditure, government budget patterns, and socio-political environment . The lack of security deters prospective investors, leading to stagnation of commercial operations. Many companies and businesses in northern Nigeria have stopped operations due to the lingering insurgency.
