The Federal Government has deployed more troops in Moriki town, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, following expiration of the deadline for payment of N30 million levy imposed on the community by the notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji.
Military insiders hinted that there has been serious movement of troops into the area as part of measures aimed at smoking out Turji who has remained a thorn in the flesh of citizens across the North West geo-political region of the country
According to reports, Turji had imposed a levy of N30 million on the community after over 100 cows belonging to him were allegedly killed by military personnel about three weeks ago.
It was reliably gathered that the cows were intercepted by the soldiers at Dumfawa, a village between Moriki and Shinkafi town sometime in August 2024
Confirming the deployment, a resident of the area, Aminu Musa, said more soldiers were deployed to the area some days ago.
“Beside the soldiers, the state government also sent more personnel of its security outfit, Community Protection Guards (CPG) to the area to complement the conventional security personnel.
“We are happy because the presence of security personnel gives us a kind of relief. The leader of the troop had assured us adequate protection of our lives.”
Also speaking on latest development in the area, another resident, Iliyasu Ali, said “despite deployment of additional security personnel, there was anxiety among the residents”.
“There is panic and worries among the residents. These bandits are heartless. They could dare the military personnel and attack the community. They are carrying more sophisticated weapons than the military. So, our people are in serious panic as the deadline for the payment of levy ends today.”
“Only God knows what will happen from today upward. Of course, we have not paid the levy but Turji has promised to sack this community if we fail to compensate for his missing cows,” Iliyasu said.
However, efforts to reach the Village Head of Moriki, Alhaji Bashar Isma’il Ari, for his comments on the “protection Levy” deadline proved abortive as calls to his mobile phone were not going with the message “this number is not reachable”.
Forefront News notes that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Chris Musa, had on Tuesday assured that the days of Turji are numbered, maintaining that the Nigerian Military have launched a manhunt for the notorious bandits’ commander. – With Daily Trust report
