Turji’s threat to destroy Zamfara, affront on Nigerian Army — APC chieftain

A threat by bandit leader Bello Turji to destroy Zamfara State if his associate, Baka Burgi, arrested by the military, is not released before December has been described as a direct affront to the Nigerian Army.

Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, an APC chieftain in Zamfara, expressed this sentiment while addressing journalists at his residence in Gusau on Sunday night.

Recall that the Nigerian Army apprehended top bandit leader Bako Wurgi (alias Baka Na Garba) on December 14. Wurgi is suspected of involvement in the killing of the Emir of Gobir in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa.

The operation, executed around 10 pm, followed intelligence that Wurgi was receiving treatment for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival bandit group at a hospital in Shinkafi, Zamfara State.

In response, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji demanded Wurgi’s immediate release, threatening to unleash attacks on communities across Zamfara and Sokoto states if his demand was not met by the year’s end.

Reacting to the threat, Shinkafi condemned Turji’s ultimatum, calling it a blatant insult to the Nigerian military and security forces.

He urged swift action against Turji before he executes his threats, which could devastate innocent communities.

“The video clip Turji released last Wednesday is a serious slap in the face of our security personnel. The authorities must act immediately to protect their reputation and safeguard the people,” Shinkafi said.

He added, “It is very unfortunate that an armed bandit can threaten local communities without consequence. His accomplice, Baka Wurgi, was taken from his hospital bed in Shinkafi by the military, and now Turji is warning that unless Wurgi is freed, entire communities will be destroyed. This cannot continue.”

Shinkafi highlighted the rising fear gripping local communities, saying, “Many villages have already been deserted, turning into ghost towns because of Turji’s threats.

“In his video, Turji explicitly stated that he will destroy villages in Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Isa Local Government Areas.”

“He vows to drive people from their ancestral homes and continue kidnapping and killing if Wurgi is not released by the end of December. Security personnel must not stand idle while he prepares to carry out these atrocities,” Shinkafi warned.

Shinkafi urged urgent intervention from the government of Zamfara and Sokoto states as well as the federal government, emphasising the need for proactive measures to prevent looming attacks.

“I call on Zamfara and Sokoto state governments, along with the federal government, to act swiftly. There is no room for delay. Security forces must rise to the challenge and confront these criminals head-on.

“As I speak, more than 50 communities in Shinkafi local government area alone have been abandoned due to Turji’s threats,” he said.

“Now is the time for decisive action. Security agents must reinforce their presence and reclaim these areas from criminal elements,” Shinkafi concluded.