Bello Turji, a known bandit leader, has reportedly demanded N22 million from four villages in Sokoto State.
This follows the killing of one of his gang members during a military operation.
According to local sources, the money is also meant to replace weapons lost during the raid.
Aminu Boza, a lawmaker in the Sokoto House of Assembly, mentioned that one of the affected villages is Garin Idi, the hometown of the state’s deputy governor, Idris Gobir.
Boza revealed that Turji has moved his base to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area.
Reports indicate that villagers met him there to negotiate the amount, which was initially set at N25 million before being reduced.
The lawmaker criticized the military for not maintaining a strong presence in the region, arguing that each time they withdraw, the villages suffer attacks from bandits.
He urged the military to remain in the area to prevent further violence.
Turji has also demanded N250,000 from each family of 13 worshippers abducted in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. So far, five captives have been released after their families made payments.
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