Fear and chaos have gripped parts of eastern Sokoto State as renewed bandit attacks, allegedly carried out by Kachalla Kallamu loyalists of notorious kingpin Bello Turji, have forced residents of more than 20 villages to flee their homes.

The fleeing villagers, seeking safety from escalating violence, have found temporary refuge in Gatawa, a town in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area. Many are now sheltering in public schools and with relatives, as local authorities scramble to respond.

A resident of Gatawa, Mallam Saminu, confirmed the development in a telephone chat with THE WHISTLER.

“Yes, it is true. People from many villages around Gatawa have been displaced and have come here to seek refuge,” he said.

“Some are staying with relatives in town, while others have been sheltered in two secondary schools, one near the military camp and another within the town.”

Communities affected by the attacks include Makira, Shabanza, Katsalle, Dan Kura, Garin Tunkiya, Dama, Dan Tazako I, II, and III, Gaugai, among others.

As of press time, official responses from the state government were unavailable. The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd.), could not be reached, and the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said he was awaiting a full briefing before commenting.

The mass displacement has once again thrown a spotlight on the fragile security situation in the region, where banditry continues to upend lives despite sustained military operations.