Residents displaced from Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State have raised the alarm over worsening insecurity, saying families are risking their lives by fleeing across the border into the Niger Republic to escape threats linked to notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
Several residents told Saturday PUNCH that renewed attacks and warnings allegedly issued by Turji’s loyalists triggered a mass movement from affected communities, particularly around Tidibali. Videos circulating on social media showing residents fleeing have been confirmed by local sources.
The Secretary of the Sokoto Eastern Zone Development Association, Prof. Muazu Shamaki, said the exodus began after bandits issued threats to multiple settlements, forcing residents to abandon over 20 communities.
A displaced resident, Mohammed Saleh, said many families embarked on dangerous cross-border journeys in search of safety, despite the risk of arrest and deportation by border authorities. He noted that kidnappings had intensified in recent weeks, with victims sometimes held even after ransom payments.
An elderly farmer from Tidibali said insecurity had persisted for years, compelling residents, including his own children, to relocate to Niger Republic through unsafe routes.
An activist, Bashar Altine, confirmed that many displaced persons are currently sheltering in classrooms at Isa Secondary School, which have been converted into temporary relief centres. He added that non governmental organisations and individuals had begun providing assistance.
Residents appealed to federal, state, and local governments for urgent and coordinated security intervention to halt the crisis and enable safe return to their communities.
