Panic in Zamfara communities as bandits impose N200m levy on residents

This situation, sources said, has forced villagers to take up menial jobs in neigr towns to raise the necessary funds, indicating a desire to comply with the bandits’ demands.

A resident of Zurmi town, Malam Yunusa Musa, told Daily Trust that the levies are effective from this week.

“The most unfortunate thing is that the residents of Turawa have paid N15m but their relatives have not been released by the bandits. Several villages whose levies are between N26m to N3m have already paid the money,” he said.

Another resident, Malam Haruna Ilu, said residents of some of the affected villages have started moving en masse to urban towns and cities in search of menial jobs to raise the funds.

He said the issue has escalated to the point where some residents fear for their safety, prompting calls for an increased security presence in the affected areas.

He said recently, soldiers deployed to Zurmi town intervened by chasing away bandits who had followed residents into neighbouring villages, firing sporadically.

Ilu, therefore, appealed to the government for urgent assistance, requesting enhanced security measures to safeguard their lives and properties from the ongoing threats posed by banditry and extortion in Zamfara State.

Panic in Zamfara communities as bandits impose N200m levy on residents