Bandits Impose N200m Levy on Zamfara Communities

Bandits have imposed approximately N200 million in levies on several communities in Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.

Reports indicate that most of the affected villages are located along the Kaura Namoda-Moriki road in Zurmi LGA.

The affected villages and their respective levies are as follows: Yan Dolen Kaura: N15 million; Gidan Zagi: N15 million; Kanwa: N20 million; Kaiwa Lamba: N26 million; Gidan Dan Zara: N22 million; Jinkirawa: N16 million; Dumfawa: N16 million; Ruguje: N7 million; Babani: N3 million; and Gidan Duwa: N4 million.

Residents of these villages are under significant pressure to raise the required funds within a specified timeframe.

Some villages have already paid their levies, while others are struggling to gather the necessary amounts. This situation has forced villagers to seek menial jobs in nearby towns to comply with the bandits’ demands.

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A resident of Zurmi town, Malam Yunusa Musa, mentioned that the levies are effective from this week.

“The unfortunate reality is that the residents of Turawa have paid N15 million, but their relatives have not been released by the bandits. Several villages with levies ranging from N26 million to N3 million have already paid the money,” he said.

Another resident, Malam Haruna Ilu, noted that residents of some affected villages have started migrating to urban areas in search of work to raise the funds.

The issue has escalated to the point where some residents fear for their safety, prompting calls for increased security presence in the affected areas.

Recently, soldiers deployed to Zurmi town intervened by chasing away bandits who had followed residents into neighboring villages, firing sporadically.

Ilu appealed to the government for urgent assistance, requesting enhanced security measures to protect their lives and properties from the ongoing threats posed by banditry and extortion in Zamfara State.