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Mass Exodus as Bandits Demand ₦172.7m Levy from Zamfara Villages.
In a chilling development, armed bandits led by a notorious kingpin, Danisuhu, have imposed a staggering levy of ₦172.7 million on 25 villages in Tsafe West, Zamfara State. This demand has caused widespread panic, forcing residents to flee their homes in search of safety.
Breakdown of the Levies
The financial burdens placed on these villages vary, with specific amounts dictated to each community. Below is a summary of the levies:
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| Village Name | Amount Demanded (₦) | Additional Demands |
|---|---|---|
| Gijinzama | 8.5 million | – |
| Dakolo | 5 million | 20 bags of soybeans |
| Gunja | 7 million | – |
| Kauyen Kane | 5 million | – |
| Kurar Mota | 6 million | – |
| Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi | 2.5 million | – |
| Sungawa & Rakyabu (each) | 15 million | – |
| Kunchin Kalgo | 20 million | – |
Other villages, including Kibari, Daga Ciki, Karda, Biya, Barebari, and Yalwa, faced demands ranging from ₦2.7 million to ₦10 million.
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Economic and Social Impact
The demands have plunged these rural communities into economic despair. For many villagers, raising such exorbitant amounts is impossible, leaving them vulnerable to brutal attacks by the bandits.
- Mass Displacement: Many villages are now deserted, with entire communities abandoning their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods.
- Economic Collapse: Residents have been forced into deeper poverty, losing access to their primary means of income.
- Ghost Settlements: Once-thriving areas have become desolate as people seek refuge in safer locations.
Appeal for Government Intervention
Residents are pleading for immediate action from the government to address the dire situation:
- Increased Security: Deployment of more security personnel and establishment of permanent posts in vulnerable areas.
- Emergency Relief: Provision of food, shelter, and medical assistance for the displaced.
According to Zagazola Makama, a Counter-Insurgency Expert, while there have been improvements in security in areas like Tsafe town, rural areas remain highly vulnerable to bandit attacks.
The Need for Urgent Action
The situation in Zamfara highlights the growing insecurity and economic challenges faced by rural communities in Nigeria. Without swift government intervention and long-term strategies, the plight of these residents will only worsen.
For now, displaced villagers continue to live in uncertainty, hoping for relief and the restoration of peace in their communities.
