By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

Communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State are grappling with a N25 million levy imposed by a notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, as retaliation for the killing of one of his men and the loss of firearms during a confrontation with the military.

The demand comes as villagers also struggle to raise N3 million in ransom for the release of 12 worshippers abducted by the gang in four villages.

Hon. Ibrahim Saidu Naino, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly representing Sabon Birni East, confirmed that each of the 12 kidnapped worshippers was ordered to pay N250,000 for their release, in addition to the new N25 million levy imposed on their communities.

He explained that the attack unfolded when villagers, with military support, fought back against the bandits, killing one of them and recovering some weapons. In retaliation, Turji’s gang imposed the heavy fine, claiming it was compensation for their losses.

“The bandits are demanding N25 million because they lost one of their members and some of their rifles during the fight,” Naino said.

Hon. Aminu Boza, another lawmaker representing Sabon Birni West, confirmed the development, noting that among the affected villages is Garin Idi, the hometown of Sokoto State Deputy Governor Idris Mohammed Gobir.

According to Boza, after negotiations, the levy was reduced from N25 million to N22 million. He also criticized the military for failing to maintain a presence in the vulnerable communities, despite having a barracks in Isa town.

He lamented the continued insecurity in the region, citing multiple visits by the Minister of Defense and the recent killing of six operatives from the Sokoto Community Guards. He urged security forces to intensify and sustain military operations to restore peace.

Meanwhile, five of the kidnapped worshippers remain in captivity, as their families have been unable to pay the N250,000 ransom demanded for their release.