MURIC Identifies Bandit Leader Behind Sokoto Killings

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic organization, has named one Bello Turji as the bandit responsible for the recent deaths in Sokoto State.

Turji, a bandit leader, allegedly threatened to kill 150 people, according to the organization.

Muric, on the other hand, urged the Nigerian Army to apprehend the bandit commander, dead or alive.

According to MURIC, obtaining Turji is critical to combating banditry in the states of Sokoto and Zamfara.

In Sokoto, gunmen burnt and killed 23 travelers on Monday.

Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group’s director, said in a statement on Monday that sources have identified Turji as the bandit responsible for the deaths.

The group said, “Sources close to the Sokoto branch of MURIC have reported the strong nexus between one Bello Turji, a notorious bandit, and insecurity in Sokoto and Zamfara states.

“He coordinates almost all attacks and he was allegedly behind the barbaric shooting and burning of passengers in a bus in Sokoto last week.

“Currently, he is believed to be somewhere in the Eastern part of Sokoto.

“He was the one who challenged the government sometime in August 2021 demanding the release of his father or else about 150 people kidnapped around Shinkafi would be slaughtered.

“More than 500 people have been killed by bandits under the leadership of Bello Turji within the last six months between Isa, Sabon Birni, Rabah and Goronyo local governments.

“Hundreds of bandits take their inspiration from him. The Nigerian military needs to find this dangerous man.

“Nail him and bandits in Sokoto and Zamfara zone will be in disarray. A commando style operation may become necessary in order to neutralise Bello Turji. But he must be found at all cost, dead or alive.”