Different communities in the Zurmi, Kaura Namoda, and Birnin-Magaji local government areas of Zamfara State have been thrown into fear over bandits demand of over ₦1 million as levies from them.
Africa Today News, New York reports that the communities are Birnin Tsaba, Gabaken Mesa, Gabaken Dan-Maliki, Turawa, Askawa and Yanbuki all in Zamfara State.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, a resident, Aliyu Abdul disclosed that the people of Askawa have paid ₦5 million for 18 abducted persons and to prevent further attacks on their community.
While noting that some communities are yet to raise the money before the December 11 deadline given by the gunmen, he said the situation has caused panic in the affected areas.
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‘Gabaken Mesa has paid N1 million, Gabaken Dan-Maliki ₦1 million and Birnin Tsaba ₦1 million, just to mention but few,’ Aliyu said.
He explained that the Yanbuki community was told to pay ₦19 million but after negotiation, it was reduced to ₦10 million.
When asked whether the community has informed security agencies, he said: ‘No one is going to police to report, knowing full well that nothing will be done but to tell them to pay the money.
‘I personally went to the military on Friday evening in Kaura Namoda to report the incident; I almost ended up fighting with one of the soldiers. I can categorically tell you nothing has been done, till now.’
On his part, the Commissioner for Information in the state, Ibrahim Dosara, confirmed the development to newsmen.
He said the state government is aware of the levy imposed on these communities but assured that the government is working with the security agencies to ensure that the communities are secured.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK