They said that their relatives fled to the West African country following renewed threats and attacks by gunmen loyal to the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
A video clip that circulated on social media during the week showed residents fleeing the affected communities.
The clip has since been confirmed by local authorities.
The Secretary of the Sokoto Eastern Zone Development Association, Professor Muazu Shamaki, said the exodus began last Friday after Turji issued threats to settlements around Tidibali, a community within the council.
“People in the local government area received threats from bandits. Since last Friday, many residents have been rushing to the local government headquarters to lodge complaints,” he stated.
According to him, over 20 settlements across different parts of the local government area have been evacuated in response to the threats.
In separate interviews with our correspondents, former residents said their relatives and family members were fleeing to Niger Republic.
One of them, Mohammed Saleh, who is currently in Dole Kena, a border community between Nigeria and Niger Republic in the Sabon Birni area of Sokoto State, said many residents embarked on dangerous cross-border journeys in search of safety.
Saleh said, “A lot of people have travelled to Niger Republic to join their families—some with their wives and children, others even with their parents. Those of us here cannot really state the condition of everyone in Niger right now.”
For those still trapped in the affected communities, he said uncertainty continues to loom large.
“For us that are still here, we don’t know what our fate will be,” he said.
He noted that some residents were intercepted by authorities after crossing the border and sent back to Nigeria.
“Upon crossing the border, some of us were arrested by authorities and returned to our country,” he said.
Despite the risks, Saleh said many residents still considered fleeing safer than remaining behind.
“The journey was not easy; it was actually hazardous. Nevertheless, it is safer for us to go than to stay,” he said.
According to him, the latest wave of attacks began about three weeks ago.
He said kidnappings had become rampant, with families struggling to raise ransom for abducted relatives.
“My elder brother was also kidnapped, and they demanded millions of naira for his release,” Saleh said.
“We took the money to them, yet they did not release him.”
He explained that the family met the bandits in Gidan Saleh to deliver the ransom.
“We took N5m to them. They still demanded an additional N2.5m before releasing him,” he added.
Also speaking, a 75-year-old farmer, Sarkin Noma of Tidibale, said insecurity in the area had persisted for years with no sign of easing.
According to him, bandits frequently abduct residents and demand ransom, but in many cases, victims are not released even after payment.
He said the worsening situation had forced many residents to flee to neighbouring Niger Republic through difficult and unsafe routes.
“I cannot even say how many people have gone to Niger. Even my son and others are there with their families,” he said.
“The journey is not easy, and at my age, I cannot cross the border,” he added.
Another displaced resident, 66-year-old Mallam Ibrahim, said he fled his community about a week ago following threats linked to Turji.
“I had to run away with my family. We are hiding here for now,” he said.
“We heard that security personnel have been deployed and that some people have returned, but we will wait for more information before going back.”
