Communities in Panic: Shinkafi Urges Governments to Act Against Bello Turji’s Deadly Ultimatum

A chilling threat from notorious bandit leader Bello Turji to devastate Zamfara State if his arrested associate, Baka Burgi, is not released by the end of December has sparked outrage and concern across the region. Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, an APC chieftain in Zamfara, condemned Turji’s ultimatum, labeling it a direct insult to the Nigerian Army and security forces.

The source of the threat stems from the Nigerian Army’s successful operation on December 14, where they apprehended the top bandit leader Bako Wurgi, also known as Baka Na Garba, in a hospital in Shinkafi. Wurgi is believed to be responsible for the brutal killing of the Emir of Gobir in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa. The operation, carried out after intelligence reports, followed Wurgi’s hospitalization from injuries sustained during a clash with a rival bandit faction.

In retaliation, Turji issued a video message threatening to unleash violence on communities in Zamfara and Sokoto States if Wurgi is not freed by the year’s end. This declaration, according to Shinkafi, is an outright provocation and an insult to the military’s authority.

“The video clip Turji released last Wednesday is a serious slap in the face of our security personnel,” Shinkafi said. “The authorities must act immediately to protect their reputation and safeguard the people.” He condemned the audacity of a bandit leader threatening local communities without facing repercussions.

The APC leader expressed deep concern about the increasing fear among local villagers, many of whom have fled their homes due to Turji’s threats. “Many villages have already been deserted, turning into ghost towns because of Turji’s threats,” Shinkafi revealed. He further disclosed that Turji specifically targeted the areas of Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Isa Local Government Areas, vowing to destroy villages, continue his kidnapping activities, and carry out murders unless his associate is released.

Shinkafi’s urgent plea for action was directed at the governments of Zamfara, Sokoto, and the federal government. He stressed that immediate and decisive intervention is necessary to avert further violence. “I call on the Zamfara and Sokoto state governments, along with the federal government, to act swiftly. There is no room for delay. Security forces must rise to the challenge and confront these criminals head-on,” he said.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Shinkafi mentioned that more than 50 communities in the Shinkafi Local Government Area alone have been abandoned, with residents fleeing in fear of Turji’s violent threats.

“We cannot afford to be complacent. Security agents must reinforce their presence and reclaim these areas from criminal elements before it’s too late,” Shinkafi concluded, calling for an immediate response to the growing threat posed by Turji and his gang.