Farmers in Shanawa, Jangeru, and Galadi communities of Shinkafi Local Government Area, Zamfara State have cried out for help following alleged threats by bandits demanding N20 million ransom from them before they could access their farms this harvest season.
Farming communities throughout the state have expressed fury over the demand, accusing the armed gangs of turning agriculture into a “ransom business.”
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that the bandits’ demands come every farming season.
“They ask for money before we can plant, and when it’s time to harvest, they demand another payment,” he said. “We can’t farm on our own land in peace again. We must pay the bandits before we can even touch our crops.”
According to him, the latest threat came with a chilling message from the bandits: “Bring N20 million or forget your farms.”
Another local claimed that those who try to sneak into their farms, particularly at night, are frequently kidnapped or murdered.
This is coming after notorious bandit King, Sani Black in August demanded gold from 4 communities in a different local government in Zamfara, threatening residents to provide them gold or face death.
According to evidence gathered by security analyst Bakastine, bandits have tightened control over farmlands and attacked the impacted towns multiple times in recent months.
“These attacks have become a form of economic warfare,” he said. “The bandits use fear and extortion to dominate rural communities.”
As attacks continue despite continuous military operations in the region, the locals are now pleading with the Zamfara State Government and security services to act immediately.
“We are tired of peace talks that change nothing,” another farmer lamented. “We just want to farm and live in peace again.”
