News
Mass Exodus Hits Sokoto Villages as Bello Turji Issues Fresh Threats
Residents of several communities in eastern Sokoto State, particularly Tidibale in Isa Local Government Area, have begun fleeing their homes in large numbers following renewed threats from notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.
The warning, which came after months of relative silence from the bandit kingpin, has reignited fear across the area, forcing families to abandon their homes and farmlands amid concerns of impending attacks. Many residents have reportedly relocated to Isa town, Gidan Hamisu and parts of neighbouring Shinkafi Local Government Area in Zamfara State in search of safety.
Locals said Turji’s latest message, which threatened “severe consequences” for communities that refuse to align with him, appears to be an attempt to reassert his influence after a lull in activity. The development has further worsened the fragile security situation in Sokoto East, where rural settlements remain highly vulnerable.
Women, children and elderly persons make up a large portion of those displaced. Farmers, instead of preparing for the upcoming planting season, are now sheltering with relatives or in temporary locations, uncertain about when it will be safe to return.
“We left everything behind because life matters more than crops,” a displaced resident said, as videos circulated online showing long convoys of vehicles evacuating people and belongings from affected villages.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that several communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State—including Shinkafi town, Katuru, Jangeru and Kanwa—have entered into a truce with Turji. Residents described the arrangement as a survival measure rather than an endorsement of his activities, with communities allegedly pledging not to confront or report him.
Security analyst and public commentator, Altine Guyawa, said the threats have effectively redrawn the “map of fear” in Sokoto East. According to him, Turji has now concentrated his activities in Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Wurno and Rabah local government areas—communities that have not reached any truce with him.
Guyawa noted that such threats often follow prolonged silence and are typically used by bandit leaders to reassert control and relevance, warning that civilians usually bear the brunt through displacement and loss of lives.
Deadly Benue Attack Raises Fresh Alarm
The renewed fears in Sokoto came as violence also escalated in Benue State, where at least five people were killed in a midnight attack on Otobi Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Among the victims was Mr Igbabe Ochi, a former councillor and the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2019 House of Assembly candidate for Otukpo-Akpa constituency. Local sources said suspected armed herdsmen stormed the community around 1:30 a.m., killing four people at a provision shop before fleeing into nearby forests.
An emergency report by the Benue State Civil Protection Guards confirmed the incident, identifying the victims as Igbabe Ochi, Achibi Onah, Eje Eba and Sunday Iruja. Community leaders said the attackers accessed the area through the railway bridge linking the Ijami axis of Otobi.
US Delivers Military Support to Nigeria
Amid the rising insecurity, the United States government has delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria to support ongoing security operations. The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the delivery in a statement, noting that the equipment was handed over in Abuja.
According to AFRICOM, the support underscores the shared security partnership between both countries and is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping nationwide.
Reacting to the development, former senator Shehu Sani described the support as timely and commendable, urging other international partners to provide similar assistance. He said tangible support is crucial in the fight against notorious bandit leaders operating in the North-West.
The latest developments highlight the growing humanitarian and security challenges facing several parts of the country, as communities continue to grapple with displacement, violence and uncertainty.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.