Residents of Moriki town in Zamfara State’s Zurmi Local Government Area have succeeded in negotiating a reduced ransom payment with notorious bandit leader Bello Turji. The initial demand of N50 million was lowered to N30 million following talks with community representatives. Turji has set a Wednesday deadline for the payment, claiming it is compensation for the killing of his cows by the new commander of the local Army base.
In order to raise the necessary funds, each family head in Moriki has been asked to contribute N10,000, while unmarried adults must pay N2,000. Despite the Army commander’s assurance that he would not harm Turji’s animals again and his advice against paying the ransom, villagers are choosing to proceed with the payment out of fear of further brutal attacks.
Bello Turji is also reportedly holding fifteen local politicians and social activists hostage. This situation has left the people of Moriki in a precarious position, feeling unprotected and compelled to meet the bandit leader’s demands to ensure the safety of their community
