Multiple sources in Sokoto State have decried an attack on a military camp in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state by a gang of bandits allegedly led by the notorious Bello Turji.
However, the sources could not say the number of soldiers killed in the “well-coordinated” attack.
When contacted by our reporter to seek their confirmation of the attack, the police said they had no information of such an attack in the state.
Turji, 27, is a ruthless bandit operating in Sokoto and Zamfara States and had on different occasions rejected peace dialogue initiated by both state governments.
The only time he said he was open to dialogue was when Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmed Gumi, visited his camp in Zurmi (Zamfara State).
Turji is also holding the father, stepmother and uncle of the state House of Assembly Speaker, alongside others.
Usman Tara, a local source living in Sokoto metropolis, said the soldiers were camped in a primary school in Dama Village under Sabon Birni where they were attacked.
Dama, an agrarian community East of Gatawa, is on the border with Niger Republic.
Mr Altine, who is the leader of Rundunar Adalci, a human rights protection group in Sokoto State, also said he could not ascertain the number of soldiers killed during the attack.
Another source, who requested not to be named, said the absence of mobile telecommunications network must have helped the rampaging bandits.
The police spokesperson in Sokoto state, Sanusi Abubakar, said he had not been officially briefed on the attack.
