Thousands of people fled the Tidibale area of northwest Nigeria after gang leader Bello Turji ordered residents to evacuate in apparent retaliation for a security operation. Turji is accused of killing three people during an enforcement visit, following the death of one of his fighters in a prior raid. Authorities say over 3,000 people have been moved to Isa—many housed in schools—and police reinforcements have been deployed amid warnings that dozens of villages are now abandoned. Islamist militant groups ISWAP and Boko Haram are also active in the region.
Thousands Flee After Gang Leader Threatens Killings in Northwest Nigeria
KANO, Nigeria (Reuters) — Thousands of residents in northwest Nigeria have fled their homes after an armed gang leader ordered a community to evacuate in apparent retaliation for a recent security operation, local officials and residents said on Wednesday.
Officials identify the commander as Bello Turji, who leads one of several armed groups that have terrorized the predominantly Muslim northwest for years, carrying out kidnappings and killings to extract ransom. Local residents say Turji suspected that someone in the Tidibale community tipped off security forces after a raid that killed one of his fighters.
Residents say Turji returned to Tidibale three days later and killed three people to enforce his evacuation order. Basharu Altine Guyawa, Sokoto state coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, quoted the commander as warning:
“He told them if anyone remains when he returns, they will be killed. He said he will not spare even a chicken.”
Authorities and activists say more than 3,000 people have been moved by truck to the town of Isa, about 50 km (30 miles) away, and many are sheltering in local schools. Muhammad Ibrahim, secretary of Isa’s community security committee, described the situation as a humanitarian crisis, noting that educational activities have stopped as displaced families take refuge in classrooms.
Security forces have increased patrols in the area, the Sokoto police spokesperson said. Local activists warn that dozens of villages across the northwest have been abandoned as violence by armed gangs escalates.
The northwest is also affected by Islamist militant activity, including groups affiliated with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram. Last month, the United States carried out a strike against militants in the region, underscoring international concern about the ongoing insecurity.
Displaced residents voiced frustration with authorities. Usman Musa, a father of 15 who fled to Isa, said:
“The past three weeks were horrific. Killings and abductions have persisted. The government has ignored us. I want them to flush these bandits out.”
(Reporting by Chijioke Ohuocha; Editing by Philippa Fletcher)
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