Suspected terrorists have allegedly imposed a levy of over N172m on 25 villages in the Tsafe West Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The assailants are allegedly operating under the leadership of a notorious kingpin, Danisuhu.
Security expert Zagazola Makama revealed on Monday that the levies, including contributions of bags of soybeans, are accompanied by threats of violence.
Makama further gave a breakdown of the villages and the levies imposed on them.
They include Gijinzama: N8.5m, Dakolo: N5m (plus 20 bags of soybeans); Gunja: N7m, Kauyen Kane: N5m, Kurar Mota: N6m, Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi: N2.5m, Kibari: N3m and Karda: N5m.
Others include Daga Ciki: N3m, Biya: N5m, Barebari: N6m, Kauyen Magaji: N7m, Kwaren Maisaje: N10m, Magazawa: N10m, Maciya: N5m and Unguwar Danhalima: N5m.
The rest are Unguwar Rogo: N5m, Katanga: N5m, Magazu: N5m, Sungawa: N15m, Rakyabu: N15m, Yalwa: N2.7m, Tsageru: N5m, Gidan Anne: N7m and Kunchin Kalgo: N20m.
The development has led to residents abandoning their homes, farmland, and livelihoods in fear.
While security has reportedly improved along the Funtua-Tsafe axis and in Tsafe town, these gains have yet to extend to the rural villages of Tsafe West.