A fresh wave of bandit attacks, reportedly orchestrated by loyalists of the notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, has forced residents of no fewer than 20 villages to flee their homes in Sokoto State.

The displaced villagers are currently taking refuge in Gatawa, a town in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

A resident, Mallam Saminu, confirmed the development in a telephone interview, stating that the mass displacement followed renewed threats and assaults by one of Turji’s top lieutenants.

“Yes, it is true. People from many villages around Gatawa have been displaced and have come here to seek refuge,” he said. “Some are staying with relatives in town, while others have been sheltered in two secondary schools—one near the military camp and another within the town.”

Villages affected by the attacks include Makira, Shabanza, Katsalle, Dan Kura, Garin Tunkiya, Dama, Dan Tazako I, II and III, Gaugai, and several others.

As of press time, efforts to obtain an official response from the Sokoto State Government were unsuccessful.

The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), could not be reached, while the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said he would comment once he received comprehensive details on the situation.

The mass displacement has once again highlighted the precarious security situation in the eastern part of Sokoto State, where persistent attacks have continued despite ongoing military operations aimed at curbing banditry and restoring peace to the region.