Bandits have reportedly evicted residents from their farmlands in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria, for failing to jointly raise a N30 million levy.
Residents of Kairu community in the state’s Bukuyum Local Government Area were forcibly evicted from their farms on Saturday after failing to pay the bandits’ N30 million peace levy.
This comes as the world anticipates a food shortage, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dogo Gudale, the leader of a gang of bandits, had issued a three-day ultimatum to the villagers to pay the demanded sum or vacate their farmlands, according to HumAngle. The message was delivered by Isuhu Jauga, a resident of the community who was kidnapped earlier with five others.
“I was released on May 18, 2022, purposely to deliver this message to my compatriots.
“About seven of Gudale’s members came to us on Saturday at about 12 pm dropping some warnings to us that we have to make that payment of N30 million cash in order to free our community and other neighbouring settlements.
“The group released me to convey this message, and threatened that they will destroy our soil, burn down our houses and take over our village,” Jauga said in Hausa.
As a result, at least five people were kidnapped on May 11, 2022, based on the demand. Bello Daji, DanHafsi, Danlami Wulli, Isuhun Guntu, and Chede Basullube were among those kidnapped, according to a local.
The fleeing farmers stated that they had reported the incident to the Zamfara State Government, but that no assistance had been provided.
The Zamfara police spokesperson could not confirm the incident because he needed more time. He stated, “I’ll reach out to the DPO (Divisional Police Officer) from the area and get back to you, please.”
