Farmers in the Sabon Birni local government area of Sokoto State have been forced to vacate over 20,000 hectares of farmland due to the escalating activities of bandits, further compounding the region’s insecurity crisis.
Hon. Aminu Almustapha (Boza), a member of the Sokoto State Assembly representing the affected area, revealed this during an interview in Sokoto. He expressed concern that farmers are struggling to cultivate essential crops this year, with many having lost hope in the ability of authorities to provide adequate protection.
“Peasant farmers in my constituency have lost confidence in the continued protection by constituted authorities. They now resort to congregational prayers, seeking divine intervention just to sleep with even one eye closed,” Almustapha lamented.
The region, particularly Sabon Birni, has been one of the worst-hit by insecurity in Sokoto State. According to Almustapha, since the onset of banditry in 2017, over 2,000 households have been affected, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of property valued at approximately ₦2.7 billion.
“Our farmers have lost over one million livestock to rustling. We are approaching a time when parents may not have an animal to slaughter for naming ceremonies or other spiritual sacrifices if the situation continues as it is,” he warned.
Almustapha also highlighted the growing influence of notorious bandit leaders such as Bello Turji and Dan Bukolo, who have been operating with impunity in the Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni local government areas. These bandits have forced many residents to abandon their farming activities with little to no resistance from security forces.
“As I speak, over 137 villages along the 120-kilometer Marnona/Isa road have been deserted due to the rampant activities of bandits. This road was once one of the busiest highways in Sokoto State,” Almustapha noted.
He further revealed that Turji, a notorious bandit leader, has established a base in the Fakai village area of Shinkafi Local Government, where he lives openly with his family, complete with a borehole and daily prayers, all without interference from security forces. Turji is also accused of ambushing and killing several security agents, seizing their weapons and vehicles.
Almustapha expressed deep concern over the current state of governance in Nigeria, suggesting that there is a connection between the ongoing insecurity in the North and foreign interests. “I believe that the current happenings in the North are tantamount to a connivance between the Nigerian system of governance and Western powers. I am optimistic that Nigeria as a country has been mortgaged or sold to these powers, who also control our oil resources.”
He also criticized the ongoing nationwide protests, led by youths, asserting that they will not bring about meaningful change as long as the nation’s leaders lack a genuine love for the country and are willing to mortgage its resources for personal gain.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Almustapha urged Nigerians to use the opportunity as a turning point for the country’s leadership. “Citizens should strive to avoid money politics and instead elect people with proven integrity, honesty, and competence to deliver,” he advised.
