Bandits Impose ‘₦172.7m Levy’ on 25 Zamfara Villages, Threaten Residents

Villages in the Tsafe West area of Zamfara State have been asked to pay ‘a levy of up to ₦172.7 million’ by gunmen reportedly led by notorious bandit leader Danisuhu. The illegal levy also includes demands for in-kind contributions such as bags of soybeans and threats of violence against non-compliant residents.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency platform focused on the Lake Chad region, these levies have caused widespread displacement, with hundreds of villagers abandoning their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods in fear of brutal attacks.

The report stated that the targeted villages and their respective levies include Gijinzama (N8.5 million), Dakolo (N5 million + 20 bags of soybeans), Gunja (N7 million), Kauyen Kane (N5 million), Kurar Mota (N6 million), Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi (N2.5 million), Kibari (N3 million), Karda (N5 million), Daga Ciki (N3 million), Biya (N5 million), Barebari (N6 million), Kauyen Magaji (N7 million), Kwaren Maisaje (N10 million), Magazawa (N10 million), Maciya (N5 million), and Unguwar Danhalima (N5 million).

Also, Unguwar Rogo (N5 million), Katanga (N5 million), Magazu (N5 million), Sungawa (N15 million), Rakyabu (N15 million), Yalwa (N2.7 million), Tsageru (N5 million), Gidan Anne (N7 million), and Kunchin Kalgo (N20 million).

The report also quoted a local source describing the situation as dire: “The inability to pay these levies often results in brutal attacks by the bandits, leaving the residents with no option but to flee.”

The fear of violent reprisals has emptied many villages, forcing residents to seek safety elsewhere. Although there have been recent security improvements in Tsafe town and along the Funtua-Tsafe axis, these efforts have yet to extend to rural areas like Tsafe West.

In June 2024, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal faulted the state judiciary for granting bail to some suspected bandit leaders arrested with weapons and brought for trial before the court.

According to Lawal, the suspected bandit leaders were released upon orders from influential individuals in Abuja, who he claimed had been communicating with the bandit leaders.

Read Also:

• Bandits: Turji’s Men Abduct 10, Burn Vehicle in Zamfara
• Court Grants Activist Olamide Thomas N10m Bail for ‘Insulting’ Seyi Tinubu, IGP Egbetokun

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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