In a terrifying development, notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji has threatened to kill his hostages if their families do not meet his ransom demands. Turji has given the families just two days to pay the ransom, with the deadline ending on Friday. The hostages are pleading with Nigerians for help as they face the possibility of losing their lives if the ransom is not paid.
Turji, who is known for his violent activities, released a video in which he extended his threats beyond the hostages. He specifically warned the residents of Moriki, a town in Zamfara State, not to ask the government for additional soldiers to be deployed to their area. This warning puts the community in a state of fear, as they must choose between the risk of increased violence or refraining from seeking more protection.
Moreover, Turji has imposed a ₦50 million fine on the Moriki community. He accused them of siding with the Nigerian military, which he claims has committed injustices against his tribe. The fine adds another layer of hardship on the community, which is already dealing with the threat of violence and the possible consequences of defying Turji’s orders.
One of the victims pleaded
, “We have reached out to our families, but they have not responded. Please, save our souls. If we don’t pay the ransom, they will kill us.”
“We have reached out to our families, but they have been silent. They haven’t responded. Please, in the name of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad, save our souls. We have been given a two-day ultimatum. If we don’t pay the ransom, they will kill us. They also threatened to attack Moriki if their demands are not met. They said they will continue their activities,”
Turji brazenly stated,
“You can deploy soldiers for a hundred years, we will continue our deadly activities.”
Another victim, identified as Ahmad Moriki, made a desperate appeal: “Please, we are begging you. If you care for us, save our lives and rescue us. You saw what happened to Seriki Gobir, how he pleaded for his life and how it ended. We don’t want the same fate to befall us.
“They have given us a two-day ultimatum, from now until Friday. Please, come to our aid and save our lives.”
Turji addressed the rumors about his escape in a video, saying, “For those saying I fled, you can see this is my home.” He pointed to the large area around him and added, “What matters most is that you killed my loved ones.”
Turji then fired a shot into the air and stated, “Whether you accept my terms or not, this is the situation.”
Former Senator Shehu Sani, who once represented Kaduna Central, has called for strong military action against Turji due to the extremist leader’s persistent evasion of justice.
Sani criticized Turji’s recent actions, noting that the terrorist has survived by pretending to be open to negotiations and by targeting rival groups.
“Turji has managed to endure by pretending to be willing to negotiate and by fighting other terrorist groups; unfortunately, some people believed him,” Sani said.
He pointed out that the recent decision by Nigeria’s military leaders to move their operations to Sokoto presents a key opportunity to remove Turji and other dangerous criminals like Baleri, Dogo Gide, and Alero.
“The relocation of defense chiefs to Sokoto must result in the elimination of Turji, Baleri, Dogo Gide, and Alero to ensure peace in the North West,” Sani emphasized, stressing the need for a committed effort to end the violence in the region.
Sani warned that Turji’s survival relies on violence, stating, “Turji lives by the sword.”
