Kachalla Turji, a notorious head of the bandits terrorising the Northwest, has unleashed terror on several villages in Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state following the arrest of his father by security agents.
His gang has allegedly abducted up to 150 villagers and travellers as of yesterday.
In neighbouring Kaduna State, the Atyap Community Development Association (ACDA) alleged that 42 of its people were killed and seven wounded by suspected herders in the latest attacks in several communities in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.
Three hundred and thirty-eight houses were also allegedly set ablaze, The Nation reports.
Torji demanded his father’s immediate release to enable him celebrate the Eid-el Kabir with his family.
He reportedly vowed to abduct as many people as possible and keep them away from observing the Eid with their families if his own father was not released.
He wondered why the old man was arrested in the first instance.
Torji is one of many who met with renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.
The gang has laid siege to such villages as Kurya, Keta, Kware, Badarawa, Marisuwa and Maberaya.
Several travellers have also been abducted on the Gusau-Sokoto Road.
Residents of neighbouring villages are already in fear of what may befall them from the bandits.
During the February meeting with Gumi in Makkai forest, Torji had said neither he nor his men were afraid of death.
He accused the government of underrating and reneging on the promises made to him and other bandits.
“This is how Boko Haram started. Nigeria has underestimated us and the problem,” he told Gumi.
He said his gang had in its possession loads of arms it could use to paralyse the state.
