Fresh fear has swept through parts of eastern Sokoto State following a new wave of violent attacks reportedly launched by notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, as he moves to seize control of more rural communities.
The latest assault began on Monday night in Tidibale village, located in Isa Local Government Area, where heavily armed fighters stormed the community in large numbers. Residents were forced to flee under cover of darkness, abandoning their homes and belongings in a desperate bid to stay alive.
Videos obtained by standarddailypress show terrified villagers escaping the community, with families trekking through the night toward neighbouring villages in search of safety. The scenes reflect the growing humanitarian toll of sustained banditry in the region.
A security alert issued by Bakatsine, a community-based security intelligence platform, confirmed the attack and warned that it is part of a broader plan by Turji to dominate large parts of Sokoto’s eastern axis. According to the alert, the assault on Tidibale was not isolated.
Bargaja village, also in Isa LGA, was reportedly targeted days earlier, pointing to what security sources describe as a coordinated and systematic campaign to expand territorial control across strategic rural settlements.
Despite repeated assurances from authorities, communities in Sokoto continue to face relentless attacks, abductions, and forced displacement linked to armed groups operating across the state and its borders. Many residents now live in constant fear, unsure of when the next attack will come.
As of the time of this report, neither the Sokoto State Government nor security agencies have issued an official statement on the latest developments, further heightening anxiety among affected communities.
With villagers fleeing openly along major routes and bandits tightening their grip on deserted areas, serious questions are being raised about the effectiveness and presence of security forces. Observers warn that entire communities are being emptied, turning law-abiding citizens into displaced persons within their own country.
For many in eastern Sokoto, the reality is stark: survival now means running, while the future of their homes remains uncertain.
