The people of Moriki town, located in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, north-western Nigeria, are in distress as the deadline set by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji approaches. The demand, due to be met by Wednesday, September 11, 2024, has left the community in a state of anxiety.
Turji has demanded the residents pay him 50 million naira in compensation for his cattle and for a Nigerian Army commander who allegedly attacked him during a military confrontation with the bandits. Despite appeals from the residents, Turji agreed to reduce the ransom to 30 million naira.
In an attempt to raise the money, town residents have started contributing based on their means, with families paying 10,000 naira each and individuals without families contributing 1,000 naira. These funds are to be handed over to Turji.
Some Moriki residents, speaking to the BBC, expressed deep concern, unsure of what would happen once the money was delivered. They fear further repercussions, especially since some residents are reportedly being held hostage by Turji, who has threatened to kill them if the payment is not made.
One resident, who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity, said Turji had made it clear that payment of the ransom would allow them to harvest their crops without fear of attack. He explained, “If we consider fleeing, we believe this is the easiest way out – to raise the money and settle the debt.”
Mannir Fura Girke, an expert on bandit activities in northern Nigeria, told the BBC that the people of Moriki were not responsible for the loss of Turji’s livestock. Rather, it was the military commander stationed in Moriki who bravely stood up to the bandits, preventing their operations in the area. Turji’s demand for compensation stems from this conflict.
Meanwhile, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, media aide to the Zamfara State Governor, stated that the government is unaware of Turji’s demands or the residents’ plight. He reiterated the government’s stance against negotiating or reconciling with bandits, adding, “We will conduct a thorough investigation to understand the situation in Moriki and determine how best to assist the affected people.”
“It is not the government’s wish for any part of the state’s population to suffer due to the activities of bandits,” he added.
Zamfara State remains one of the most insecure regions in north-western Nigeria, despite ongoing efforts by both the federal and state governments to address the security challenges faced by the area.
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