Northern elders silent on Sokoto massacre but quick on Edo killings

DDM News

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the Sokoto massacre adds to the long list of atrocities committed by Bello Turji and his criminal network.

On Tuesday, Turji and his gang launched a brutal attack in Fadamar Lugu, Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Twelve people were killed, and one person was injured in the attack, which followed an elaborate Eid celebration.

The massacre was revealed by security analyst Bakatsine in a post on X, highlighting the gang’s reign of terror.

Turji, a notorious bandit leader, is responsible for numerous killings, kidnappings, and raids across Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Despite being one of Nigeria’s most wanted criminals, he continues to operate freely, evading security forces.

The Sokoto massacre is one of many attacks by Turji’s gang that have left communities devastated.

Residents in northern Nigeria have repeatedly called for stronger government intervention to stop such bloodshed.

However, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has remained silent on this latest attack in Sokoto.

This silence contrasts with their swift reaction to the killing of some northern hunters in Edo State.

In February 2025, security operatives in Edo State reportedly killed a group of northern hunters in a crackdown on vigilantes.

The Edo killings sparked an immediate reaction from the Northern Elders Forum, which condemned the government’s actions.

NEF quickly issued an ultimatum, demanding justice for the slain hunters and threatening further action.

Their response to the Edo killings was swift and decisive, putting pressure on the state government.

However, no such ultimatum has been issued over the Sokoto massacre, despite the high death toll.

This has raised concerns about selective activism in addressing violence affecting northern communities.

The Sokoto killings were carried out by a known bandit leader whose crimes have terrorized the region.

Turji’s gang has massacred innocent civilians, yet there has been no strong condemnation from NEF.

Residents of Sokoto and Zamfara states wonder why their suffering does not warrant the same urgency.

Banditry has displaced thousands in the North, with entire villages abandoned due to recurring attacks.

Many families have lost loved ones to criminals who continue to operate with impunity.

The federal and state governments have struggled to contain the rising wave of insecurity.

Security forces have launched operations against bandit hideouts, but their efforts have yielded limited success.

Despite airstrikes and military offensives, criminals like Turji remain active, orchestrating deadly attacks.

The Northern Elders Forum’s silence on the Sokoto massacre raises questions about its priorities.

If the forum can issue an ultimatum for Edo killings, why not for the Sokoto massacre?

Northerners expect the same energy in demanding justice for all victims of violence.

The selective response fuels suspicions of political and regional interests in NEF’s activism.

All Nigerian lives should matter, regardless of location or circumstances of their deaths.

The Sokoto massacre should be met with the same outrage as the Edo killings.

Authorities must act decisively to bring Bello Turji and his gang to justice.

The people of Sokoto deserve protection and accountability for the bloodshed in their communities.

Security agencies must strengthen their operations to dismantle criminal networks terrorizing the North.

The federal government must ensure that all regions receive equal attention in the fight against insecurity.

Until justice is served, the people of Sokoto and other affected areas will continue to live in fear.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook