Fear of reprisal attacks by bandits has forced residents of several communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State to flee their homes, turning them into refugees in neighbouring towns.

Daily Trust gathered that at least nine communities-including Dankura, Dantasakko, Dankaka, Satiru, and Gangara-have been largely deserted following military operations in the area.

The residents, fearing retaliation from bandits, have sought refuge in the towns of Gatawa and Turba.

A viral video shared on social media last Sunday showed hundreds of displaced persons, including women and children, arriving in Gatawa. Many of them shared harrowing accounts of violence and threats they faced in their villages.

Mallam Muhammadu (not his real name), a resident of Dankura, told our reporter that his community has been living under constant threat from bandits, who often retaliate whenever the military conducts operations nearby.

?We fled because the bandits threatened to attack us in response to military activity. Our entire community is deserted now. I came to Gatawa with my two wives and nine children,? he said.

Muhammadu added that residents are often forced to pay levies imposed by the bandits, which he described as the only way to farm and live peacefully in the community.

Another resident of Dankura, who suffered a leg fracture during a recent attack, said he was making plans to relocate to Taraba State with his three wives and 15 children.

?We live in constant fear. Even yesterday, the bandits came asking about the palliatives distributed by the state government.

?Since the military withdrew from our area years ago, we have had no peace,? he said.

A resident of Dantasakko, also taking refuge in Gatawa, recounted how bandits regularly invade their village on motorcycles, robbing residents and looting food stores.

?They extort us, loot our homes, and even force us to work on their farms. My aunt was recently attacked with a machete and is now receiving treatment here in Gatawa,? he said, calling on the government to establish a permanent military base in the area to restore peace and security.

Malama Sa?a (not her real name), another refugee, described a brutal attack on her co-wife.

?One night, bandits stormed our home. Despite pleading with them, one of them beat my co-wife with a machete. She sustained deep cuts on her head and hands.

?We brought her here unconscious. She is now recovering, but severely traumatised,? she said.

Many displaced residents said the bandits have not only imposed financial levies but also issued threats to prevent them from farming this rainy season.

A resident of Dantasakko said 14 people were killed by bandits in Kofar Ruwa, Shadawa, and Satiru villages last Wednesday.

?Some people still live in our village, but they sleep in the bush at night or in Gatawa due to fear.

?However, troops entered the area this morning (Tuesday). We hope this is the start of lasting peace,? he said.

He noted that past military presence in Gangara and Damau significantly deterred attacks and urged the government to re-establish bases there and create a new one in Bafarawa.

Chairman of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Alhaji Ayuba Hashimu, confirmed that nine communities were deserted as of last Sunday.

He said the residents fled after hearing gunshots from military operations in nearby forests, mistakenly believing it was a bandit attack. Many, he said, have since returned home.

?We?ve been supporting security agencies financially, yielding results. Bandit attacks have reduced significantly.

?Thanks to the efforts of the state government, more troops have been deployed, and major roads are now safer. The Sokoto road, once notorious for abductions, is now secure,? he said.

Regarding the displaced residents, he said the local government has distributed 150 bags of rice, maize flour, and bales of wrappers.

Health officials have also been directed to provide medical care to the injured and sick among the displaced persons, he added.

Wave of bandit attacks on Sabon Birni

Sabon Birni, the LGA of Sokoto State deputy governor, Engr. Idris Gobir continues to be gripped by deadly bandit attacks despite ongoing military operations in the area.

The most recent wave of violence has left some operatives of the state-owned security outfit dead, villagers displaced, and communities reeling under extortion.

In February, six operatives of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps were ambushed and killed while responding to a distress call.

According to local sources, the operatives had received reports of bandits moving towards a village along the Tagirke-Kwatsal axis, near Unguwan Lalle.

Denied a vehicle by local authorities due to procedural restrictions, the guards used motorcycles to reach the scene, only to fall into an ambush.

?They exchanged fire with the terrorists but were ultimately overpowered. The terrorists killed six of them,? a local source revealed. The bodies of the victims were recovered and buried two days later.

Just days before that incident, 12 worshippers were abducted during dawn (Subh) prayers in Gidan Baushe village.

?Bandits attacking communities to avenge military onslaught?

Residents said the attacks were triggered by an intensified military campaign around the Shinkafi-Isa axis, which led to the destruction of several bandit hideouts and the deaths of many gang members.

Local sources disclosed that a previous truce had been brokered between Sabon Birni communities and bandits loyal to notorious kingpin Bello Turji.

Under the arrangement, villagers paid levies to the criminals in exchange for peace and access to their farms. However, the military operation shattered the fragile peace, leading to accusations from the bandits that locals had tipped off authorities.

Sa?idu Ibrahim, who represents Sabon Birni South in the State House of Assembly, confirmed the retaliatory nature of the attacks.

?These were reprisal attacks. The military killed several of their members, and now the remnants are striking back,? he said.

He also confirmed that village heads had been forced into exile while communities remained under the control of bandit-imposed tax systems.

The ongoing instability has been closely tied to Bello Turji, a feared figure who has reportedly shifted his base to the eastern part of neighbouring Isa Local Government. In April, he allegedly killed a local vigilante leader in Tozai village and murdered 11 farmers in Lugu village.

According to residents, Turji had been planning to attend Sallah celebrations in Gatawa, a district in Sabon Birni, but was thwarted by local authorities and security efforts.

?We received intelligence and took immediate security steps. Perhaps that is why he retaliated by killing innocent farmers in Isa,? said Hon. Aminu Boza, who represents Sabon Birni West in the state assembly.

In a further show of control, Turji reportedly imposed a N22 million levy on four villages, including Garin Iddi, the deputy governor?s hometown.

The payment was demanded as compensation for a fallen gang member and missing firearms after a military operation.

?He?s like a businessman managing multiple outlets. He moves between locations, demanding payments and enforcing control,? Boza said.

Bandits have also demanded N250,000 ransoms for each of the 13 abducted worshippers. So far, five captives have reportedly been released after payments were made by their families.

In March, a separate attack was thwarted in Kurawa village after local vigilantes and the army repelled an attempted rescue by bandits trying to free a captured gang member.

The bandits had invaded the village following the arrest of one of their operatives who had stolen a motorcycle from a commercial rider. Three villagers were killed in the ensuing violence, but security forces managed to neutralise several bandits and capture two others.

Despite assurances from top officials, including multiple visits by the Minister of Defence, residents said the threat remains constant.

Boza criticised the military?s failure to sustain pressure on bandit strongholds, warning that every withdrawal results in renewed attacks on vulnerable communities.

?Our people need sustained operations. That is the only path to lasting peace,? he said.

In an earlier interview with Daily Trust, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, said the government was working in close collaboration with security agencies to restore peace in all the places experiencing insecurity.

?The governor prioritises security above all else. He acts immediately whenever we reach out. But we need the people to support government efforts and stop shielding criminals,? Usman said. (Daily Trust, but headline rejigged)

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