Bandit leader Bello Turji lowers ransom demand for Zamfara community from N50m to N30m

The residents of Moriki town in Zurmi LGA, Zamfara State, have succeeded in negotiating with the bandit leader Bello Turji, who has reduced his ransom demand from N50 million to N30 million. The new deadline for this payment is Wednesday.

This ransom is reportedly compensation for the death of Turji’s cattle, allegedly caused by the new commander of the Army base located in Moriki.

Under the new terms, each family head is expected to pay N10,000, while unmarried adults are required to contribute N2,000.

Despite the Army commander’s advice to ignore the ransom and his promise not to harm Turji’s cattle in the future, the villagers are moving forward with the payment. They are worried that failing to meet Turji’s demands could lead to increased violence and further attacks, leaving them without protection.

Fifteen local politicians and social activists remain captive, having been abducted from Moriki even with soldiers stationed in the area.