Troops and local hunters are currently in a fierce gun battle with notorious bandit leader Bello Turji in Gatawa, Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State.
Witnesses from Gatawa reported that the clash began at around 6 a.m. today. A resident, who requested anonymity, said the bandits tried to raid the town but were confronted by soldiers and hunters. The exchange of gunfire has continued into the afternoon.
“We suspect Bello Turji is leading the assault. The entire town is on lockdown, with people staying indoors,” the source noted, adding that the outcome remains uncertain.
Another resident described the confrontation as unprecedented, expressing hope that additional troops will be deployed to secure the area.
Turji, though believed to be based in Shinkafi, Zamfara State, has expanded his activities into the Sokoto LGAs of Sabon Birni, Isa, and Goronyo.
