By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
Fear and uncertainty have gripped the Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, forcing residents to abandon their homes after a chilling ultimatum from notorious bandit leader Bello Turji: leave or be killed.
In a now-viral video, scenes of panic unfold as hundreds of women and children scramble onto trucks, clutching what little they can carry. Their hurried escape follows a wave of relentless attacks that have left the once-thriving agrarian settlement in ruins. Known for its rich harvest of sweet potatoes and livestock, Bargaja has been transformed into a ghost community overshadowed by violence.
The latest assault, which occurred on Sunday, claimed the lives of two local vigilantes who died while trying to defend their people. For many residents, such incidents have become a grim routine. Gunfire echoes through the nights, farmlands have been destroyed, livestock stolen, and families repeatedly displaced.
At the center of the crisis is Bello Turji, a 32-year-old terror kingpin who has terrorised parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger states for nearly two decades. Despite a ₦5 million bounty placed on him by the military four years ago, his operations have continued largely unchecked, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of ongoing security efforts.
Amid growing frustration, the Coalition of Northern Groups has warned of a failing security system and a steady erosion of public confidence in the authorities’ ability to protect lives and property.
Although the army has since appealed to residents to return, assuring them of improved protection, many remain hesitant, haunted by memories of past attacks and uncertain of what lies ahead.
For the displaced families of Bargaja, the hope of returning home safely remains fragile. Until decisive action is taken to dismantle Turji’s network, fear may continue to define daily life in the region.
