According to a report by the Punch on Saturday, January 17, 2026, the persistent terror inflicted by bandit leader Bello Turji in Sokoto State has forced a humanitarian crisis, with residents fleeing across the border into Niger Republic. Following direct threats issued to communities in Isa Local Government, a mass evacuation is underway, displacing families who now undertake hazardous journeys to find safety.
Local sources and activists detail an environment where communities live under the constant shadow of a known threat. Activist Bashar Altine emphasized the intimate familiarity residents have with the bandit leader’s movements and strongholds. He stated, “We know his hometown. We know where he moves with his cattle and other livestock. We know where he basically has his operational base. We know where he lives.” Despite this local knowledge, the inability of security forces to apprehend Turji has left villagers feeling utterly vulnerable, prompting them to abandon their homes.
The exodus includes entire families, with one elderly farmer confirming his son and others have already relocated to Niger with their families. Those who remain, often the elderly or those without means to travel, face rampant kidnappings and violence, with ransoms frequently failing to secure a victim’s release.
Temporary shelters have been established in public school classrooms in Isa town for the internally displaced, relying on aid from NGOs and private citizens. The situation highlights a critical security failure, where communities possess precise intelligence about a major threat yet feel compelled to flee their homeland rather than receive adequate protection. The crisis continues to deepen as the bandit’s reign of terror remains unchecked.
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