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There is currently a heavy gunfight between Nigerian soldiers, who are joined by local hunters, and a group of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji in Gatawa, a town in Sokoto State’s Sabon Birni local government area.

The fighting began around 6 a.m., as reported by multiple sources in the town, who said the fighting has not ceased even by afternoon.

According to residents, the armed bandits attempted to raid Gatawa, but soldiers and hunters stationed nearby quickly intervened to block their entry. One resident, who requested anonymity, said, “We are suspecting that Bello Turji is personally leading the fight. Fire exchange started around 6am and up till this time (2:45pm) that I am speaking with you, the fight is still on. The two sides are still exchanging fire.

“We are in serious shock because no one knows what will happen in the next few hours. The town is quiet; no movement. No one is coming in or going out of the town at present.

“No one can give you details of what transpired between the soldiers and bandits for now. We can only have details of the encounter when the fight is over.

“We are hoping the soldiers will at the end defeat the bandits. Our prayers are that Bello Turji should be among those to be killed during the fight.”

Another local source described the situation as unprecedented, calling it “the most terrible encounter between soldiers and bandits we have seen in this area.”

The source added, “We have never seen such a battle in this town before. We hope this will be the end of Bello Turji.

“Our hope is that more soldiers will be deployed to the area to support those on ground. I am sure the bandits will also call for reinforcement from their colleagues.”

Residents are also calling for more military reinforcements, fearing that Turji’s group might summon additional fighters.

Turji is known to reside in the forests of Shinkafi in Zamfara State, although his influence and operations extend into parts of Sokoto, particularly Sabon Birni, Isa, and Goronyo local government areas.