Bandits have reportedly placed a N20 million levy on Bakale village in the Kilgori district of Yabo Local Government Area, Sokoto State, warning of violent attacks if the money is not paid.
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According to reports, the bandits leader ordered the village head to convene a meeting with residents to relay the demand. In an audio message, the leader was heard questioning the traditional ruler about an earlier instruction.
“Did you meet with them? Did they agree to obey your command?” he asked.
After the village head confirmed, the bandit ordered him to inform the residents of the fresh N20 million levy. “We don’t want to attack you. That is why we imposed this levy. If you pay, you will live in peace. But if you refuse, we will attack, kill, and abduct your people. This is our message,” the bandit said.
A community leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that similar levies have been enforced on several neighbouring settlements. Affected villages across Kilgori and Torankawa districts include Bazar, Alkalije, Gari, Bakale, Dagel, Adarawa, Kwaidaza, Kilgori Runji, Tudu, Tile, Kibiyare, and Barmadu. Levies range from N3 million to N20 million, depending on the size of the community.
The source added that six people were killed in Alkalije and four in Tile during separate attacks two weeks ago. The Sokoto police command has not yet confirmed the development.
This is not the first time the bandits have imposed levies on communities in northwest Nigeria. In November, they demanded N20 million from farmers in Gatakawa, Katsina State, before allowing them to harvest crops.
Bakatsine, a conflict and crisis journalist covering insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest, who disclosed this, said the bandits demanded the levy from farmers before allowing them to harvest their crops.
He criticised the alleged peace deal between the bandits and communities in the crisis-ridden in the region, saying it has only brought deeper fear to farmers.
Similarly, in October, they imposed a N15 million levy on Bazar and nearby villages in Yabo.
Alhaji Dauda Umar, a resident, confirmed the recent demands. “It is true the bandits threatened to harm us if we don’t pay fifteen million naira. Arrangements to pay are underway,” he said.
Umar expressed frustration over repeated attacks and the bandits’ familiarity with the area. “We’ve reported this to the police, but we need more help. Our people are living in fear,” he said.
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