Zamfara: Bello Turji Reduces Moriki Taxes to ₦30 Million, Sets Deadline

Prominent journalist, Bulama Bukarti, revealed via his X (formerly Twitter) handle that a deal has been struck between notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, and the residents of Moriki, Zamfara State. The agreement determines the amount to be paid as compensation for the killing of Turji’s cattle.

Initially, Turji demanded ₦50 million from the villagers. However, Bukarti reported that after negotiations, the amount was reduced to ₦30 million. Under the new arrangement, each household is required to contribute ₦10,000, while unmarried adults will pay ₦2,000.

The full text of Bukarti’s post is as follows:

“The people of Moriki Town of Zamfara State have managed to convince Bello Turji to reduce the ransom he imposed on them from ₦50 million to ₦30 million, with a Wednesday deadline for payment. This sum is supposedly compensation for the killing of Turji’s cows by the new commandant of the army base stationed inside Moriki.

Each family head is required to contribute ₦10,000, while unmarried adults must pay ₦2,000. Despite the commandant’s advice not to pay and his promise never to harm Turji’s animals again, the commandant people remain doubtful.

They fear that if they fail to meet this extortion demand, Turji will unleash violence upon them, with no one to protect them from his brutality. Currently, around 15 local politicians and social activists are in Turji’s captivity and they were abducted from within Moriki despite the presence of soldiers.

This is the grim reality Nigeria has been reduced to.”