According to the report from the Daily Post, Residents of Moriki town, located in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have successfully negotiated with notorious bandit leader Bello Turji to lower a ransom demand imposed on the community. The original ransom of N50 million was reduced to N30 million, with a Wednesday deadline set for payment, according to a report by DAILY POST.
Sources revealed that the ransom was allegedly imposed as compensation for the recent killing of Turji’s cattle by the commander of the Nigerian Army base stationed in Moriki. The commander, who reportedly leads the base, had taken actions that led to the death of Turji’s cows, sparking the bandit’s demands for payment.
As part of the ransom arrangement, every family head in Moriki is expected to contribute N10,000, while unmarried adults are mandated to pay N2,000 each. Despite warnings from the Army commander advising the villagers against making the payment, the residents have begun collecting the funds out of fear for their safety. The commander had assured the villagers that no further harm would come to Turji’s animals, pledging to prevent any recurrence of the incident.
However, the people of Moriki remain anxious, believing that failure to meet Turji’s demand could result in further violent attacks on the community. As reported by DAILY POST, the villagers fear that they would be left unprotected against Turji’s wrath should they refuse to pay.
In addition to the ransom crisis, DAILY POST also reported that approximately fifteen local politicians and social activists remain in Turji’s custody after being abducted from Moriki. The kidnappings occurred despite the presence of military personnel in the area, further intensifying concerns over the level of security and protection offered to the community.
With tension mounting, Moriki residents face a difficult decision: comply with the bandit’s demands or risk a violent retaliation from one of Zamfara’s most feared criminals.
