Tension In Bargaja As Residents Cry Out For Help, Bello Turji Orders Evacuation
Four years after the military declared him wanted alongside 18 other terrorists and placed a ₦5 million bounty on his head, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has continued his violent campaign across Nigeria’s North-West. Last Sunday, he reportedly forced residents of Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State to flee following renewed attacks.
Turji, 32, who hails from the pastoral Fulani settlements of Shinkafi in Zamfara State, has been linked to years of violence across Zamfara, Sokoto and parts of Niger State.
A disturbing video that surfaced on Monday showed hundreds of women and children from Bargaja scrambling to board a truck with their belongings as they fled the community. The mass movement followed repeated attacks by gunmen reportedly loyal to Turji, who had allegedly warned residents to vacate the area or face death.
In the video, a man speaking in Hausa lamented the situation, saying the community had endured relentless attacks and killings. He accused authorities of inaction, adding that residents had no choice but to abandon their homes and seek safety elsewhere.
Despite the panic, the Garrison Commander of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army reportedly intervened, assuring residents of improved security. According to him, the military persuaded the community members to remain, promising to protect them.
Local sources said the attackers invaded Bargaja around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, sparking chaos as residents fled to safer areas, including Sokoto metropolis and neighbouring communities.
Security analyst Bashiru Altine Giyawa confirmed the incident, noting that Bargaja had been one of the few communities consistently resisting attacks by armed groups loyal to Turji. He disclosed that local vigilantes engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle in an attempt to repel the assault, but two members of the vigilante group were killed.
The deceased were identified as Umaru Biri and Garba Mumminu, who reportedly died from gunshot wounds sustained during the clash.
Eyewitnesses described the situation as tense, with recurring attacks linked to Turji’s network leading to deaths and displacement. Once a thriving agrarian hub known for producing sweet potatoes, soya beans and livestock, Bargaja has been severely affected by nearly a decade of insecurity.
Residents say daily life has been upended, with frequent gunfire and fear becoming the norm. Many farmers have abandoned their fields, while cases of kidnapping for ransom and livestock rustling have increased, further crippling livelihoods.
Neighbouring communities such as Tidibale and Katanga have also experienced repeated attacks, widening the insecurity across eastern Isa Local Government Area. Despite the presence of security forces in Isa town, residents argue that attacks continue unabated, often catching communities off guard.
Women and children have been particularly affected, with many displaced and facing limited access to education and healthcare. Community leaders warn that the situation is rapidly evolving into a humanitarian crisis with long-term consequences.
While security agencies and local vigilantes have made efforts to contain the violence, progress has been limited due to difficult terrain and the mobility of armed groups.
Reacting to the development, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) condemned the worsening insecurity, describing the displacement in Bargaja as evidence of a strained security system. The group’s National President, Jamilu Aliyu Charanci, expressed concern over the growing number of communities being forced to flee, warning of eroding public confidence in security institutions.
He called on authorities to act decisively, stressing that Nigerians deserve safety and protection.
Similarly, President of the Arewa Defence League, Murtala Abubakar, described the situation as alarming. He noted that the incident adds to the rising number of internally displaced persons across the country and questioned the effectiveness of current security strategies, particularly in rural areas.
According to him, there remains a significant gap between government assurances and the realities faced by vulnerable communities, where safety is measured by the ability to live without fear rather than official statements.
