From Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Kallamu, who is a bandit leader and ally of the notorious Bello Turji, has sacked no fewer than 20 villages in Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas of Sokoto East Senatorial district.
The incident, which occurred last weekend, raised concerns in the state, with Director, Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi appealing to the Nigerian government to step up efforts in the protection of lives and properties of citizens.
Confirming the ugly development, a local from Gangara village, Mohammed Shehu, said those sacked by Kallamu trooped in their thousands to Gatawa village in a very distressful manner.
According to Shehu, Kallamu after uninterrupted attacks on the villages, later asked them to vacate if they are unable to pay the fine he placed on them.
“I am from Gangara village and for over 5 years now, we have been under siege. But this time around, the bandit leader, Kallamu ordered people to leave the villages of Dama, Dadin Kowa, Magira, Gamji, Dantasakku, Makwaruwa, Shadawa, Gidan gyara and others.
“”The video has been trending for days now showing how both women and children trooped in large number to Gatawa village just to save their lives””, Shehu lamented.
Efforts to confirm the development from relevant security agencies proved unsuccessful as messages send to them were not responded to at the time of filing this report.
Also, efforts to also speak with both state and national lawmakers as well as the local government chairmen of the affected areas were abortive.
Insecurity in the Eastern Senatorial District of Sokoto has been a very disturbing scenario over the years because of its close proximity to Zamfara state. However, the state government in its commitments towards security of lives and properties, established, trained and equipped Sokoto Community Guard Corps and supports the conventional security agencies with mobility and other logistics.
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