Fear Grips Sokoto As Residents Risk Lives To Enter Niger Republic

Renewed threats and attacks by gunmen linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji have forced residents of Isa Local Government Area in Sokoto State to abandon their communities and flee to the Niger Republic.

Some displaced residents have decried the worsening security situation, saying families are taking extreme risks to cross into the neighbouring country in search of safety.

The Secretary of the Sokoto Eastern Zone Development Association, Professor Muazu Shamaki, told Punch that the mass movement began last Friday after bandits issued fresh threats to communities around Tidibali in Isa LGA. He disclosed that more than 20 settlements across the area have since been deserted.

“Residents began receiving threats from bandits, and since last Friday, many people have been trooping to the local government headquarters to report the situation,” Shamaki said.

A former resident, Mohammed Saleh, who is currently in Dole Kena—a border community between Nigeria and Niger Republic in Sabon Birni area—said many people undertook dangerous journeys across the border to reunite with family members already in Niger.

He said uncertainty remains for those still trapped in the affected communities. “Many people have travelled to Niger Republic with their wives, children, and even elderly parents. For those of us still here, we don’t know what the future holds,” Saleh said.

According to him, some residents were intercepted by authorities after crossing the border and returned to Nigeria. Despite this, many still consider fleeing safer than staying behind. “The journey was risky and difficult, but remaining here feels even more dangerous,” he added.

Saleh also revealed that the latest wave of attacks started about three weeks ago, with kidnappings becoming increasingly common. He said families are struggling to raise ransom, yet victims are sometimes not released even after payment.

“My elder brother was kidnapped. We paid ₦5 million, but they still demanded an additional ₦2.5 million before releasing him,” he said.

A 75-year-old farmer, the Sarkin Noma of Tidibali, said insecurity in the area has persisted for years without improvement. He noted that many residents have fled to Niger Republic through unsafe routes.

“I cannot say how many people have crossed over. Even my son and others are there with their families. The journey is very difficult, and at my age, I cannot attempt it,” he said.

Another displaced resident, Mallam Ibrahim, 66, said he fled his village about a week ago following threats attributed to Turji’s group.

“I escaped with my family and we are hiding for now. We’ve heard that security operatives have been deployed and that some people are returning, but we are waiting for clearer information before going back,” he said.