Armed bandits loyal to notorious kingpin, Bello Turji, have abducted 16 residents and killed one person in a fresh attack on Garki village in Sokoto State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama on Wednesday that the assailants, led by a top Turji lieutenant known as Kallamu, stormed the community on Tuesday evening, shooting sporadically to instill fear.

“They came in large numbers, took away 16 people, killed one man, and rustled several livestock. They also shot three people who are now receiving treatment at a hospital in Sokoto,” a resident said.

The attack comes despite ongoing claims of peace talks between Turji’s camp and some government mediators. Security sources, however, say the latest assault point to the unreliability of the gang’s leadership.

“Bello Turji has repeatedly used so-called peace talks as a cover to regroup, resupply, and expand his influence. He cannot be trusted because every time there’s dialogue, his men continue to attack, abduct, and kill,” said security sources.

The source added that intelligence reports show Turji’s network is still active across Isa, Sabon Birni, and Goronyo axes, with many of his fighters engaged in cross-border trafficking between Nigeria and Niger Republic. (Zagazola)