Some suspected bandits have reportedly imposed a levy of up to ₦200 million on some towns and villages in Zamfara state.
The affected villages are:
Yan Dolen Kaura: ₦15 million; Gidan Zagi: ₦15 million; Kanwa Million: ₦20 million; Kaiwa Lamba: ₦26 million; Gidan Dan Zara: ₦22 million; Jinkirawa: ₦16 million; Dumfawa: ₦16 million; Ruguje: ₦7 million; Babani: ₦3 million and Gidan Duwa: ₦4 million.
Reports say some of the residents of the villages, mostly spread across the Kaura Namoda-Moriki town belt in Zurmi Local Government Area of the state have had to take on several menial jobs to source for funds and contribute to make up the levies as they were given a specific time frame to meet the demand.
A resident of Zurmi town who spoke to reporters said “The most unfortunate thing is that the residents of Turawa have paid ₦15m but their relatives have not been released by the bandits. Several villages whose levies are between ₦26m to ₦3m have already paid the money.”
Another resident suggested many villagers have had to temporarily relocate to urban centres to get jobs that will help them meet the demands of the terrorists.
The community leaders and residents therefore, appeal to security agents and government officials to improve the security architecture of the state as the practice of kidnap for ransom, incessant attacks and levies are reaching new, unbearable heights.
