Bello Turji, has imposed a N22 million levy on four villages in Sokoto State as compensation for the death of one of his men during a military operation. The villages, including Garin Idi, the hometown of the state’s Deputy Governor, Engineer Idris Gobir, have been ordered to pay the amount, which also covers firearms lost during the operation.
Hon. Aminu Boza, a lawmaker representing Sabon Birni West Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, confirmed the development. He revealed that villagers were forced to meet Turji to negotiate the ransom, which was initially N25 million before it was reduced to N22 million.
“He is just like a businessman who has multiple shops and is going around to supervise them. He is currently in the eastern part of Isa. That was where the villagers met him for negotiation,” Boza said.
Boza criticized the military for failing to sustain operations in the eastern part of Sokoto, saying that bandits always retaliate against villagers whenever troops leave.
“I have always criticized the military for not sustaining their operation in the eastern part of Sokoto because anytime they withdraw, it is the villages that bear the brunt,” he stated.
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He lamented that despite assurances from the federal government, banditry remains a major problem in the region.
“The Ministers of Defence have visited Sokoto about four times and assured our people that banditry would soon be a thing of the past. But look at it, the bandits are still attacking our people. A few days ago, they killed six operatives of the Sokoto Community Guards,” he added.
Boza urged security forces to intensify operations to permanently end the crisis, warning that the situation will worsen if nothing is done.
In addition to the imposed levy, Turji has also demanded N250,000 from each of the families of 13 worshippers kidnapped two weeks ago in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
“So far, they have released five captives after their families paid the money,” Boza confirmed.