Nigeria’s most wanted terrorist, Bello Turji, has issued a threat to residents of Shinkafi communities in Sokoto State vowing to unleash unimaginable mayhem if his uncles who were arrested by the military are not released immediately.
In a video posted on X on Thursday by security expert, Zagazola Makama, Bello, dressed in military fatigues and flanked by heavily armed bandits, swore to wreck havoc on the communities and kill as many people as possible if his demands are not met.
Speaking in Hausa language, the bandit leader also challenged the military and other security agencies to a fight, promising to make them have a taste of his devilish might. He added that he is not afraid of death as that is the only means of stopping him from carrying out his mission.
Meanwhile, residents of Idi and Ranbadawa towns in the Gobir region, both in Sokoto, have pleaded with authorities to intervene and liberate their communities from the clutches of another notorious bandit kingpin identified as Kallamu, a close associate of the infamous Turji.
In another post by Makama, Kallamu has established himself as the de facto ruler of the towns, operating with impunity and rendering local authorities powerless, with his presence being a source of constant fear and intimidation.
“Kallamu openly moves around Idi town as though he owns it. He commands absolute authority, and no one dares challenge him,” Makama said, quoting a distressed resident of one of the affected towns.
“Reports indicate that Kallamu uses his dominance to oversee various criminal operations in the area. Residents allege that he is behind several acts of banditry, extortion, and other violent crimes.
“His control of the community has disrupted local governance and left the people without any recourse for justice or protection.
“Whenever he arrives in town, people either bow to him out of fear or flee for their lives. He has taken over our town, and we live at his mercy.
“The communities of Idi and Ranbadawa are urging the government and security agencies to act swiftly to restore order and protect innocent lives. The residents expressed their frustration over the lack of visible action against Kallamu and his group, stressing the need for immediate intervention to reclaim their towns.
“We are calling on the government to rescue us from this nightmare. We have nowhere else to go, and our lives are constantly in danger,” he added, also quoting a community elder.
