Hundreds of residents across 23 communities in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State have fled their homes in fear of an attack by a notorious bandits’ leader, Dogo Gide, following his demand for N100 million in levies.
A lawmaker from the Zamfara State House of Assembly, speaking anonymously to Trust TV due to lack of authorization to address the press, revealed that more than two-thirds of the residents in the affected areas had abandoned their homes.
“I can confirm to you that hundreds of residents in Tsafe West have fled their homes due to the hefty levies imposed on them by the bandits. While killings and kidnappings have reduced significantly in recent days, the bandits have shifted to extorting large sums of money from communities. People are paying these levies quietly out of fear for their lives,” he said.
The Zamfara State Police Commissioner, CP Muhammad Shehu Dalija, also acknowledged the situation, stating, “I received a report from the Area Commander in charge of Gusau Zone about levies being imposed on some communities in Tsafe by the notorious bandit leader, Dogo Gide.
“Although we have not received reports of mass displacement, it is likely that residents are vacating their homes to avoid potential attacks. If they cannot pay the levies, there’s a high possibility of the bandits targeting them.
“We are taking steps to address the issue by mobilizing more security personnel, including soldiers, DSS operatives, and mobile police officers, to the affected areas. I want to assure the residents that we will not tolerate this kind of terror. The government is committed to ensuring peace and holding anyone responsible for lawlessness accountable.”
Reports indicate that Dogo Gide has demanded N100 million from the 23 communities, with levies ranging between N2.5 million and N20 million per village. Some of the affected communities and their levies include:
- Kunchin-Kalgo: N20 million
- Sungawa: N15 million
- Rakyabu: N15 million
- Kwaren Mai-Saje: N10 million
- Magazawa: N10 million
- Gijin-Zama: N8.5 million
- Giwa: N7 million
- Kauyen Magaji: N7 million
- Barebari: N6 million
- Unguwar Rogo: N5 million
- Machiya: N5 million
- Katuga: N5 million
Other villages include Magazu (N5 million), Tsageru (N5 million), Gidan-Anne (N7 million), Unguwar Dan Halima (N5 million), Kauyen-Kane (N5 million), Kurar-Mota (N6 million), Kibari (N3 million), Sabon-Garin Bakin Gulbi (N2.5 million), Karda (N5 million), Dakolo (N5 million), and Yalwa (N2.7 million).
Residents from these areas are reportedly fleeing to safer locations, fearing that non-payment could result in violent retaliation.
A resident of Magazawa, Yusuf Dalhatu, narrated his ordeal, saying, “I have relocated to Gusau while my family is staying in Tsafe town. It’s not safe to remain in Magazawa because the bandits could attack at any moment if their demands are unmet. My brother Ibrahim and his family have also fled.”
Similarly, Isa Inuwa, a resident of Machiya, disclosed that his village is nearly deserted. “As of when I left, only three individuals—Baba Shehu Dogo, Inuwa Mai Garma, and Muhammad Bello Machiya—remained in the community. They, too, have sent their families away and are preparing to leave.”
