By MOHAMMED DANBABA
Residents of Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State were thrown into mourning on Tuesday night following a deadly terrorist attack allegedly led by notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji, leaving several people killed and an unspecified number of women and children abducted.
The attack, which occurred under the cover of darkness, has confirmed fears that Bello Turji is still alive and actively coordinating violent operations, despite earlier speculations about his possible death or incapacitation.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to local sources, heavily armed gunmen stormed Bargaja late at night, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee their homes. Witnesses said the attackers moved from house to house, targeting villagers and rounding up women and children before retreating into nearby forests.
Several residents were reportedly killed during the raid, although the exact casualty figure remains unclear as of the time of filing this report. Community members described the scene as chaotic, with families separated and many villagers still unaccounted for.
“This was not a random attack,” a resident said. “They came with a clear plan, and people recognised Bello Turji among them.”
Confirmation of Bello Turji’s Presence
Multiple security and community sources have confirmed that Bello Turji personally led the operation, a development that has sent shockwaves across Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.
For months, rumours had circulated that Turji — one of the most feared bandit leaders in Nigeria — had either been neutralised or gravely weakened by military operations. However, Tuesday night’s assault has effectively dispelled those claims, reinforcing intelligence reports that the warlord remains active.
Security analysts note that Turji’s decision to personally lead the attack may signal an attempt to reassert dominance and intimidate local populations following sustained military pressure on bandit enclaves.
Women and Children Abducted
One of the most distressing aspects of the Bello Turji attack in Sokoto State is the mass abduction of women and children. While authorities have yet to release official figures, residents fear that dozens may have been taken.
Kidnapping has long been a major source of revenue for armed groups in the North-West, with victims often held for ransom under brutal conditions. Families in Bargaja are now anxiously awaiting news, amid fears that negotiations and payments may be demanded in the coming days.
Community leaders have called on the government to act swiftly to rescue the abductees before they are moved deeper into forest hideouts.
Community in Shock, Residents Flee
Following the attack, many residents have reportedly fled Bargaja and surrounding villages, seeking refuge in safer towns within Isa LGA and beyond. Schools, markets, and farming activities have been disrupted, worsening the humanitarian situation in the area.
Local officials warned that continued attacks could lead to large-scale displacement, further stretching already limited resources in Sokoto State.
“This community has been living in fear for years,” a traditional leader said. “But this attack shows that the threat is far from over.”
Security Concerns and Government Silence
As of press time, no official statement had been released by the Sokoto State Government or security agencies confirming the incident or detailing casualties. However, sources indicate that security forces have been deployed to the area to assess the situation and pursue the attackers.
The renewed violence has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of ongoing counter-banditry operations in the North-West. Despite repeated military offensives, bandit groups continue to launch coordinated attacks, exploiting difficult terrain and limited security presence in rural communities.
A Pattern of Escalating Violence
The Bargaja attack fits into a broader pattern of escalating violence across Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Kebbi states. Analysts warn that unless sustained intelligence-led operations are combined with community engagement and improved security coverage, armed groups like Turji’s faction will continue to regroup and strike.
Human rights advocates have also urged authorities to prioritise civilian protection, warning that women and children remain the most vulnerable victims of the ongoing conflict.
What This Means Going Forward
The confirmation that Bello Turji is alive and operational represents a significant setback in the fight against banditry in northern Nigeria. It underscores the resilience of criminal networks and the urgent need for renewed strategy, stronger inter-agency coordination, and support for affected communities.
For residents of Bargaja, the immediate concern remains survival — and the safe return of abducted loved ones.
As investigations continue, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether this latest attack prompts decisive action or becomes another grim chapter in a prolonged security crisis.
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