Intense gunfight erupts as troops, hunters confront bandit kingpin, Bello Turji in Sokoto

An intense gunfight broke out early this morning in Gatawa town, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as Nigerian troops and local hunters confronted notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.

According to local sources, the clash began around 6 a.m. when Turji and his bandits attempted to launch an attack on Gatawa.

However, the swift response of soldiers and local hunters thwarted their efforts, cornering Turji and his men behind nearby hills.

“We are suspecting that Bello Turji is personally leading the fight. Fire exchange started around 6am and up till this time (3:45pm) that I am speaking with you, the fight is still on. The two sides are still exchanging fire.

“We are in serious shock because no one knows what will happen in the next few hours. The town is quiet; no movement. No one is coming in or going out of the town at present but we have cornered him.

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“No one can give you details of what transpired between the soldiers and bandits for now. We can only have details of the encounter when the fight is over.

“We are hoping the soldiers will at the end defeat the bandits. Our prayers are that Bello Turji should be among those to be killed during the fight.”

Another source, who also doesn’t want his name in print, said, “This is the most terrible encounter between the soldiers and bandits we witnessed in this area. We have never seen such a battle in this town before. We hope this will be the end of Bello Turji.

“Our hope is that more soldiers will be deployed to the area to support those on ground. I am sure the bandits will also call for reinforcement from their colleagues.”

Though Turji is suspected to be residing in a forest in Shinkafi local government, Zmafara state, his operational jurisdiction spread into Sabon Birni, Isa and Goronyo local government areas of Sokoto.