The residents of Moriki town in Zamfara State are living in fear as the deadline set by notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, for a N30 million levy has passed. The community was threatened with dire consequences if they failed to comply with his demands.
In response to this alarming situation, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa condemned Turji’s actions, labeling him as a disturbed individual and assuring that military forces are actively working to apprehend him. This demand for payment stems from the military’s recent destruction of over 100 of Turji’s cattle, an incident that has heightened tensions in the area.
Residents have expressed their inability to gather the required funds, despite continuous appeals for assistance. Reports indicate that some individuals are already fleeing Moriki, while others remain trapped by financial and health constraints.
Sani Musa, a local resident, shared his concerns about the impending violence due to non-payment of the levy. He recounted his struggles to collect even a fraction of the demanded amount, citing economic hardships that leave him with no means to protect his family.
Zayyanu Hassan, another resident, expressed hopelessness. He stated that many elderly individuals like himself are unable to leave the community due to health issues, facing the threat of attack with no visible escape.
During a recent address in Abuja, the Chief of Defence Staff reiterated the military’s commitment to eradicating the extortion of citizens by armed groups. He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in denying bandits the resources they rely on to operate.
Musa further disclosed plans to enhance military operations in the North-West region through a new unified initiative, “Operation Kasar Yamma,” aimed at securing the area and addressing the persistent security challenges.
He urged citizens to refrain from giving any support or information to bandits, emphasizing that internal complicity only exacerbates the situation. The military is determined to restore safety and order in the region and is calling for community solidarity in this crucial fight against banditry.
