A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has alerted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about a threatening video clip from bandit kingpin Bello Turji to communities in Shinkafi and its environs, saying some communities have started deserting their homes for fear of insecurity.
Addressing a press conference, Shinkafi, who is also a traditional title holder of Wamban Shinkafi, lamented that the people of Shinkafi and surrounding communities need serious and urgent attention from the President and the Governors of Zamfara and Sokoto States.
He disclosed that in the bandit kingpin’s video clip released on Christmas Day, Bello Turji promised to relaunch kidnapping for ransom in the communities of Zamfara and Sokoto States.
“Notorious bandit Bello Turji, in a released video clip, dared security agents to release his cousin, one Bello Wurge, who was arrested on a hospital bed at Shinkafi General Hospital by security agents. Otherwise, in 2025, he will launch attacks on communities in Shinkafi of Zamfara and Isah in Sokoto State.”
According to Shinkafi, it is disheartening and worrisome that when Christians are celebrating Christmas, Bello Turji released a video clip threatening communities.
“I want to beg, passionately appeal to Mr President to save the lives of our people. We are in an unfortunate situation, a slap to security when an armed bandit threatens the lives of citizens,” he lamented.
He further lamented that the people of Shinkafi are in serious danger, with many communities starting to desert their homes for neighbouring areas.
“I call on the Governors of Zamfara and Sokoto States to please act fast, and also security agents should do everything humanly possible to protect communities. This is the right time for the security to also act immediately,” he advised.
The APC chieftain highlighted that Zamfara is a wealthy state, with abandoned arable land for farming. “We have no reason to say we are poor, but unfortunately, insecurity has bedevilled our communities.”
Shinkafi urged politicians, wealthy people, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to support the fight against banditry and preach peace. “It’s not time for politics; security should not be politicised,” he stated.
