Residents flee as bandits impose N172m levy on Zamfara villages

Gunmen, allegedly led by a notorious bandit leader, Danisuhu, have reportedly imposed a N172.7 million levy on 25 villages in the Tsafe West Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Zagazola Makama, a counter insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the levies were accompanied by demands for in-kind contributions, including bags of soybeans and threats of violence against those who fail to comply.The report added that these demands have forced hundreds of residents to abandon their homes and livelihoods.

Makama stated that the targeted villages and their respective levies include Gijinzama (N8.5 million), Dakolo (N5 million + 20 bags of soybeans), Gunja (N7 million), Kauyen Kane (N5 million), Kurar Mota (N6 million), Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi (N2.5 million), Kibari (N3 million), Karda (N5 million), Daga Ciki (N3 million), Biya (N5 million), Barebari (N6 million), Kauyen Magaji (N7 million), Kwaren Maisaje (N10 million), Magazawa (N10 million), Maciya (N5 million), and Unguwar Danhalima (N5 million).

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Others are Unguwar Rogo (N5 million), Katanga (N5 million), Magazu (N5 million), Sungawa (N15 million), Rakyabu (N15 million), Yalwa (N2.7 million), Tsageru (N5 million), Gidan Anne (N7 million), and Kunchin Kalgo (N20 million).

“Hundreds of residents of these villages have reportedly abandoned their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods in fear of violent reprisals for failing to meet the demands,” the report reads.

Makama quoted a local source as describing the situation as dire.

“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 security has improved along the Funtua-Tsafe axis and in Tsafe town, these gains have yet to extend to the rural villages of Tsafe West.”

The report added that residents have called for more security personnel and permanent posts in Tsafe west, alongside emergency relief for displaced residents.

Residents flee as bandits impose N172m levy on Zamfara villages

Leadership by example: FRSC Corps Marshal leads field operations, patrol highways 

By Bisi Kazeem

As the year winds down and Nigerians embark on end-of-year travels, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its efforts to curb road crashes and ensure safer highways. Leading this charge is the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, who has set a sterling example of sacrificial leadership by actively participating in frontline operations during this critical period.

The end of the year is a notoriously perilous time on Nigeria’s roads, marked by increased traffic, heightened road traffic crash risks, and a surge in reckless driving.

However, under the proactive leadership of the Corps Marshal, the FRSC rolled out an unprecedented campaign to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities, ensuring that the festive season is marked by joy rather than tragedy.

True leadership is not defined by words but by action. The Corps Marshal exemplifies this by personally leading field operations, patrolling highways, monitoring traffic flows, and directly engaging with road users.

His visible presence has reinvigorated the morale of FRSC officers and demonstrated to the nation that leadership is about service and sacrifice.

He defied insecurity on the highways and embarked on a traffic monitoring operation from Abuja, the Federal Capital, through Kogi, Ekiti, Ondo, Owo, Ore, down to Edo and Delta.

His decision to lead from the front underscores his commitment to the FRSC’s mission of saving lives and highlights the urgent need for compliance with traffic rules and regulations.

From the beginning of the Ember Months sensitisation campaign in September, the Corps had gone ahead of time, implementing series of robust measures aimed at addressing road safety challenges during the festive season. These remedies include; increased patrols and checkpoints as additional officers and vehicles have been deployed in strategic points on highways to monitor and enforce compliance with traffic laws; organised nationwide safety campaigns targeting speed violations, drunk driving, overloading and seatbelt use.

These campaigns educate drivers on the dangers of reckless behaviours and emphasize the importance of safe driving practices.

The Corps also ensured Emergency Response Preparedness: ambulances, tow trucks, and rescue teams are on standby to ensure rapid responses to emergencies, reducing fatalities and injuries in the event of crashes.

Knowing that the task of making the highways safe is a collective action, FRSC went into the season with strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force, transport unions, traditional rulers and local communities, to foster a united front in the battle against road crashes.

The Corps Marshal’s leadership has inspired not just his officers but also the general public.

His direct involvement sends a clear message that road safety is a shared responsibility requiring the commitment of all stakeholders.

The Corps Marshal’s hands-on approach during this critical period has not only motivated the FRSC team but has also restored public confidence in the agency’s commitment to saving lives,” said a motorist who witnessed the Marshal’s activities firsthand on the Niger Bridge.

The monitoring activities carried out across major corridors suggest that the intensified efforts are yielding positive results, with a noticeable reduction in road crashes and fatalities compared to previous years.

The Corps Marshal’s example of sacrificial leadership has brought renewed vigor to the FRSC’s operations, ensuring that every life is valued and protected.

Needless to state that the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, is indeed an enigma, a force to be reckoned with and a true example of practical leadership in public service as he leads yet again by example in the fight against road crashes in Nigeria.

Taking active front-line roles, dedicating to sacrificial leadership and willingness to take bold steps to address the challenges facing Nigerian roads.

By setting the pace, he’s inspiring his team and other stakeholders to join forces in the quest for safer roads in Nigeria.

As the festive season continues, let us all join the FRSC as they call on all Nigerians to support its efforts by adhering to traffic rules, avoiding risky driving behaviours, and prioritizing safety on the roads.

Together, with the leadership of the Corps Marshal and the dedication of FRSC personnel, a safer, accident-free festive season is achievable.

The Corps Marshal’s leadership reminds us all that effective leadership requires sacrifice, action, and a deep commitment to service.

As Nigerians embark on their journeys this season, they can take comfort in knowing that the FRSC is working tirelessly to make the roads safer for everyone.

*DCM Bisi Kazeem (Rtd), fsi MNIM anipr, a public relations expert and media guru writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

BREAKING: Adeleke Finally Pardons ‘Fowl Thief’ Segun Olowookere

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has granted the prerogative of mercy to Segun Olowookere, a young man convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to death by an Ogun State High Court in 2014.

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Olowookere was pardoned alongside Sunday Morakinyo and 51 others convicted of simple and serious offences on Thursday.