Military Vows to Crush Bandit Kingpin and Restore Peace!”
The once serene town of Moriki in Zamfara State is now shrouded in fear and turmoil after the deadline imposed by the infamous bandit leader Bello Turji for a staggering N30 million levy has come and gone. This latest threat, a consequence of the military’s recent action against Turji’s cattle, has left the community in a state of panic as they brace for potential retribution.
Turji’s ultimatum, which expired on September 9, demanded that the community raise the enormous sum or face devastating consequences. With the deadline having passed and the town unable to meet the demand despite desperate attempts to raise funds, the atmosphere in Moriki is one of acute dread.
Victims’ Harrowing Experiences:
Sani Musa, a local resident, shared his chilling ordeal with newsmen. Forced to evacuate his family, Musa described the financial and emotional strain he endured. “I was asked to contribute N20,000, but with the current economic hardship, I couldn’t even come close to that amount,” Musa said. “I tried to sell my farm, but nobody was interested because of the ongoing insecurity. I had no choice but to flee with my family to Kaura-Namoda town.”
Musa’s sense of helplessness is echoed by Zayyanu Hassan, another Moriki resident. Due to his advanced age and poor health, Hassan is unable to flee the town and faces an uncertain future. “I am too weak to move and don’t know where to go,” Hassan lamented. “Despite the threats, I must stay here because I have nowhere else to turn.”
The situation has become increasingly dire as reports of widespread panic and displacement continue. Many residents are scrambling to find safety, while others like Hassan are trapped in their homes, unable to escape the looming danger.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has condemned Turji as a “deranged individual” and vowed that the military is fully committed to capturing him. Musa criticized Turji’s extortionate demands and promised decisive action to put an end to the bandit’s reign of terror.
Musa highlighted that bandits like Turji rely on the funds they extort from communities to sustain their criminal activities. He emphasized that the military’s objective is to dismantle this extortion network and restore peace. “We are determined to put an end to these extortion schemes and ensure that communities like Moriki are protected,” Musa stated.
The Chief of Defence Staff also emphasized the importance of community support in denying bandits any form of assistance or information. He revealed that local informants have been aiding bandit operations by revealing troop movements, further complicating efforts to combat the threat. Musa urged the public to cease any support to bandits and to cooperate fully with security forces.
In a strategic move to address the growing security challenge, Musa announced the consolidation of military operations in the North-West under a new unified command, Operation Kasar Yamma. This initiative aims to streamline efforts and enhance the effectiveness of military operations across the region. Musa assured that all necessary resources and assets would be deployed to ensure the success of this operation.
As Moriki town holds its breath, waiting for the potential violence that may follow Turji’s deadline, the military’s commitment to neutralizing the bandit threat remains resolute. The community’s hope now rests on the effectiveness of the new unified military operation and the collective effort of both the authorities and the residents to bring an end to this era of terror.
Peoplesmind
