Sokoto: Bello Turji’s Fighters Kill Soldier, Kidnap Dozens

Fighters loyal to Bello Turji carried out a deadly assault in Sokoto, Nigeria, on Wednesday, August 14, and Friday, August 16, resulting in the death of a soldier and the kidnapping of dozens of villagers. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen moved from settlement to settlement, instilling fear and leaving destruction in their wake.

One survivor recounted how 16 residents were taken from Garki village, with one being killed and another released. In a separate incident, 28 villagers were abducted from Turtsawa Faru village near Sabon Birni town.

Families are still searching for their missing loved ones. The Movement for Social Justice in Sokoto State confirmed the casualties and called for urgent security intervention to address the escalating violence in the area.

The Defence Headquarters dismissed reports of Turji surrendering or being considered for amnesty, as he is a notorious bandit kingpin operating in Zamfara and Sokoto states.