More than 50 communities in Zamfara State, Nigeria, have been forced to flee their homes after threats were issued by notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji. In a video message, Turji, who is on the run from Nigerian authorities, warned of violent reprisals against Zurmi, Shinkafi, and Isah Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto states unless the military released his detained brother, Baka Wurgi.
The mass exodus was confirmed by Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who reported that the residents of Shinkafi had fled in fear following the threat. Speaking at a press conference in his Gusau residence, Shinkafi condemned the situation as a direct challenge to national security. He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the military to take immediate action to protect innocent communities from the looming threat of bandit attacks.
The crisis continues to escalate as locals fear further violence and instability in the region.
