By Deborah Nnamdi
Gunmen in Zamfara State have reportedly imposed a N172.7 million levy on 25 villages in the Tsafe West area, driving hundreds of residents from their homes in fear of violent reprisals.
According to reports from Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the gunmen, allegedly led by notorious bandit leader Danisuhu, have also demanded in-kind contributions such as bags of soybeans from the affected communities.
The targeted villages and their respective levies include Gijinzama (N8.5 million), Dakolo (N5 million and 20 bags of soybeans), Gunja (N7 million), Kauyen Kane (N5 million), and Kurar Mota (N6 million), among others.
Kunchin Kalgo was hit with the highest levy of N20 million, while Sungawa and Rakyabu each face demands of N15 million.
“These levies are accompanied by threats of violence against those who fail to comply,” the report stated.
“Hundreds of residents have abandoned their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods, fearing brutal attacks by the bandits.”
A local source quoted in the report described the villagers’ dire situation:
“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.
