In a chilling development in Zamfara State, gunmen have reportedly levied a staggering N172.7 million on 25 villages in the Tsafe West area, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes in fear of brutal retaliation.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the bandits, allegedly led by the infamous bandit kingpin Danisuhu, have also demanded in-kind contributions, such as bags of soybeans, from the affected communities.
The demands vary across the villages, with some facing exorbitant sums, like Gijinzama, which owes N8.5 million, and Dakolo, which must pay N5 million and 20 bags of soybeans. Gunja is required to pay N7 million, Kauyen Kane N5 million, and Kurar Mota N6 million.
Kunchin Kalgo is burdened with the highest levy of N20 million, while Sungawa and Rakyabu face demands of N15 million each.
“These levies are accompanied by threats of violence against those who fail to comply,” the report states. “As a result, hundreds of residents have abandoned their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods, fearing merciless attacks by the bandits.”
A local source, who shared insights into the devastating situation, explained that residents often face brutal violence when unable to meet the demands.
“The inability to pay these levies often results in brutal attacks by the bandits, leaving the residents with no option but to flee,” the source said.
While there have been improvements in security around Tsafe town and the Funtua Tsafe axis, the report highlights that these advances have yet to reach the vulnerable rural villages of Tsafe West.
Residents are now urgently calling for government intervention to end the terror that has gripped their lives.