Armed bandits have launched a new round of extortion in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, forcing helpless rural communities to pay huge sums of money.
In Danjibga town, credible sources told Bakatsine that the attackers demanded N8m from residents, saying N4m is for compensation for two motorcycles they claim were taken from them by security forces, and another N4m tied to money they allege a local youth collected from them.
To force the community to pay, the bandits reportedly seized a vehicle loaded with 100 bags of soybeans and took four people hostage, holding both the captives and the vehicle until the money was gathered. They were to be freed only after full payment.
The illegal taxation has also spread to nearby villages in the same district, with bandits allegedly demanding Kagana to pay N4m, Bare-Bari N4m and Kurin Ganwa is to pay N40m.
Residents say the rising demands show how insecurity is worsening in Zamfara, as criminal groups continue to prey on vulnerable and unprotected communities.
Villagers are begging for urgent help from both the Zamfara State Government and federal security agencies.
They warn that the situation is now unbearable, and without quick intervention, more communities may fall under the same forced taxation and kidnapping threats.
