Zamfara community reportedly pays ₦50m in ransom to Bello Turji [Photo]

Residents of Yan Buki community in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have reportedly paid N50 million in ransom to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.

The payment was allegedly made to secure the release of abducted residents and settle tax levies reportedly imposed on the community by Turji.

The development was disclosed in a Facebook post on Thursday by D English Alhaji, a conflict reporter and advocate for a safe society.

He wrote: “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.

“How long must we continue living like this?”

The alleged payment highlights the continued challenge posed by banditry in Zamfara State, where rural communities have faced attacks, abductions and demands for ransom and levies by armed groups.

Zurmi and other parts of Zamfara have remained affected by insecurity, with residents in several communities reportedly forced to negotiate with armed groups to secure the release of abducted persons or prevent further attacks.