Bandit Leader Reduces Ransom Demand For Zamfara Villagers From ₦50 Million To ₦30 Million

Bandit Leader Reduces Ransom Demand For Zamfara Villagers From ₦50 Million To ₦30 Million

Residents of Moriki town in Zamfara State have successfully negotiated with bandit leader Bello Turji to reduce the ransom from ₦50 million to ₦30 million. This amount is reportedly intended as compensation for Turji’s cattle, which were killed by the new commander of the Army base in Moriki. The deadline for the payment is set for Wednesday.

Under the new terms, each household must contribute ₦10,000, while unmarried individuals are required to pay ₦2,000. Despite the commander’s assurance that he will prevent further harm to Turji’s livestock, villagers are proceeding with the payment out of fear that non-compliance could lead to increased violence from Turji.

Currently, around fifteen local politicians and activists remain captive, having been abducted from Moriki, even with military forces present in the area.

In a separate development, a video has surfaced showing three Nigerian soldiers challenging Bello Turji. The soldiers, frustrated by a lack of orders to pursue Turji, issued a direct challenge for him to come out and face them. They criticized Turji for his attacks on civilians and urged him to stop his violent activities. The soldiers also boasted about their past successes against Boko Haram, questioning Turji’s bravery and commitment to facing them directly.