An All Progressive Congress chieftain in Zamfara State, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has condemned the threat by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji to destroy Zamfara state if his associate, Bako Wurgi (alias Baka Na Garba), is not released by the end of December as a direct affront to the Nigerian Army.
Shinkafi expressed this sentiment while addressing journalists at his residence in Gusau on Sunday night.
The Nigerian Army apprehended Wurgi, a top bandit leader, 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 was executed around 10 pm, following 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 to Wurgi’s arrest, Turji demanded his immediate release, threatening to unleash attacks on communities across Zamfara and Sokoto states if his demand was not met. Reacting to the threat, Shinkafi condemned Turji’s ultimatum, calling it a “blatant insult” to the Nigerian military and security forces.
Shinkafi urged swift action against Turji, stating, “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.” He added, “It is very unfortunate that an armed bandit can threaten local communities without consequence… 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.” He noted that Turji explicitly stated his intention to destroy villages in Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Isa Local Government Areas, drive people from their ancestral homes, and continue kidnapping and killing if Wurgi is not released.
Shinkafi warned that security personnel must not stand idle while Turji prepares to carry out these atrocities. He urged urgent intervention from the government of Zamfara and Sokoto states, as well as the federal government, emphasizing 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,” Shinkafi said. He noted that over 50 communities in Shinkafi local government area alone have been abandoned due to Turji’s threats, and concluded, “Now is the time for decisive action. Security agents must reinforce their presence and reclaim these areas from criminal elements.”
Turji’s threat is not an isolated incident, as he has been responsible for numerous massacres and terrorist attacks against civilians and security forces in the North West region of Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara and Sokoto states. His actions have been described as a “reprisal” against attacks on Fulani bandits and civilians, and he has claimed that his group’s actions are “divinely inspired”.
