Zamfara community reportedly pays ₦50m in ransom to Bello Turji [Photo]
Residents of the Yan Buki community in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have reportedly paid 50 million naira in ransom to the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji. This payment was purportedly made to secure the release of abducted individuals and to address alleged tax levies imposed by Turji on the community.
The information surfaced in a Facebook post on Thursday by D English Alhaji, a conflict reporter and advocate for a safe society. In his message, Alhaji stated, “Yesterday, residents of Yan Buki in Zurmi LGA, Zamfara State, reportedly paid ₦50 million in ransom to Bello Turji. The huge payment was reportedly made to secure the release of abducted victims and imposed tax levies by Turji to the community.”
The incident underscores the persistent issue of banditry in Zamfara State, where rural communities have faced a range of threats, including attacks, abductions, and demands for ransom from armed groups. Areas like Zurmi have been significantly impacted by insecurity, with residents often compelled to negotiate with these groups to ensure the safety of their community members or to thwart further violence.
