Sokoto Villagers Displaced by Banditry, Seek Refuge in Tureta

At least 21 villages in Sokoto State have seen their residents abandon their homes amidst escalating banditry and threats, leading to a significant displacement crisis.

The affected communities include Gidan Kare, Kaware, Chabi, Dattabi, Janwake, Sha Rana, Darbekami, Gidan Sule, Kuruwa, Mahuta, Dantayawa, Kawala, Bagirbe, Tsattsagi, Katsira, Imasa, Bela, Hura Girke, Galadimmai, and Asha Ruwa.

Many of those forced to flee are now seeking shelter in Tureta town and its environs. However, these displaced individuals are facing considerable hardship, including overcrowding, food shortages, and a general lack of essential support services.

Sources indicate that most displaced persons are staying with relatives rather than in formal camps, seeking shelter within the homes of extended family members.

The influx of people into Tureta has been ongoing for approximately three days, according to local accounts.

Some families have found temporary shelter at the Abdulbaki Model Primary School in Tureta, where reports suggest over 1,000 individuals are sleeping in crowded classrooms nightly, without any form of organised humanitarian assistance.

A resident from Kuruwa village explained that persistent attacks compelled them to leave their homes and belongings behind. "We can no longer stay in our homes. Bandits have attacked our village several times before Ramadan. Leaving there was not easy, but we had no choice," the resident stated.

From Gidan Kare, another villager recounted hearing gunshots nearly every night, instilling widespread fear. "Our houses are deserted, and we are worried about the safety of our children. We hope the government will provide security," they expressed.

An elderly man from Bagirbe village shared that many residents now spend their nights in Tureta out of fear. "Most of us are now in Tureta, and anyone you see here is not living in peace," he commented.

Meanwhile, a resident from Sha Rana village revealed that they fled on Thursday evening after receiving intelligence about an imminent large-scale attack. "We left our homes this evening because we were told that the bandits would attack in large numbers. We cannot return unless security improves," the individual said.

This resident urged authorities to take swift action, adding, "Please bring us security. Do not wait until election time before coming to seek for our votes."

Another individual from Kuruwa highlighted the indiscriminate nature of the attacks, noting that the bandits kill indiscriminately during their raids. "When they come, they kill men, women, children and even the elderly. That is why we fled to Tureta to save our lives," they stated.

It was also noted that some villagers who could not reach Tureta are reportedly hiding in the bush at night for safety.

A mother of four from Gidan Kare shared that repeated attacks had resulted in the deaths of several residents before their escape. "Bandits killed many people before we fled. Our husbands sometimes return to the village to retrieve items they can sell so we can get food," she disclosed.

A pregnant woman from Hura Girke village is currently staying at the primary school under difficult circumstances. "I am due to give birth in less than a month, but I don’t have enough food. We are suffering here," she said.

She appealed for immediate intervention to ensure their safe return home. "We need security so we can return to our farms and live in peace," she added.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Security, Col. Usman Ahmad (rtd), and the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were unsuccessful as calls and text messages remained unanswered at the time of filing this report.

The displaced families continue to endure deteriorating humanitarian conditions while pleading with the authorities to restore security in their communities without delay.