Suspected armed bandits have reportedly imposed a N60 million levy on 12 communities in Zamfara State, accusing them of collaborating with the Nigerian military during recent operations in the area.
This was made known in a post on Monday by security analyst Bakatsine via his verified X handle.
According to the post, the affected communities include Koloma, Dan Hayin Zargado, Zargado, Dan Godabe, Sabuwar Tunga, Makini, Bubaka, Yelwa, Bahwada, Koda, Manya, and Kabusu, all located in the Maru and Maradun local government areas of the state.
The analyst reported that residents are currently gripped with fear following threats from the bandits, who warned that failure to pay the demanded sum could trigger fresh attacks on the villages.
“Bandits have imposed a N60m levy on 12 Zamfara communities: Koloma, Dan Hayin Zargado, Zargado, Dan Godabe, Sabuwar Tunga, Makini, Bubaka, Yelwa, Bahwada, Koda, Manya & Kabusu for allegedly aiding military raids. Residents fear attacks if they don’t pay,” Bakatsine wrote.
As of the time of this report, authorities have yet to issue an official statement on this development.