Soldiers, Hunters Clash with Bandits in Sokoto Town
A fierce gun battle erupted today between soldiers, local hunters, and bandits in Gatawa town, Sabon Birni local government area, Sokoto State.
The clash, which began at approximately 6am, involved bandits led by the notorious kingpin Bello Turji, according to multiple sources in the area who spoke to *Daily Trust* on condition of anonymity. The bandits attempted to invade the town, but their entry was thwarted by the coordinated resistance from soldiers and local hunters.
“We are suspecting that Bello Turji is personally leading the fight. The gunfire exchange started around 6am and, as of 2:45pm, the battle is still ongoing,” one source revealed. “The town is in a state of shock, with no movement in or out. We are all waiting in silence, hoping that the soldiers will eventually prevail.”
The source expressed hopes that Turji, who is believed to have a stronghold in a forested area in Shinkafi, Zamfara State, would be among those defeated in the encounter.
“This is the most intense clash we have witnessed between the soldiers and the bandits in this town. We hope that this marks the end of Turji’s reign of terror,” another source added. “We also hope more soldiers will be deployed to support those already on the ground, as the bandits are likely to call for reinforcements.”
Turji, whose criminal activities span several local government areas including Sabon Birni, Isa, and Goronyo in Sokoto, remains a formidable figure in the ongoing insurgency in the region.
