Residents of 25 villages in Tsafe West, Zamfara State, are grappling with insecurity and economic despair as armed bandits, led by a notorious kingpin identified as Danisuhu, imposed a crippling levy of ₦172.7 million on the communities.
According to intelligence gathered by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the levies include financial demands ranging from ₦2.5 million to ₦20 million per village and in-kind contributions such as bags of soybeans.
Villages like Kunchin Kalgo, which was levied ₦20 million, and Sungawa and Rakyabu, each ordered to pay ₦15 million, face particularly heavy burdens.
Smaller villages such as Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi were levied ₦2.5 million, while others like Gijinzama and Kwaren Maisaje faced demands of ₦8.5 million and ₦10 million, respectively.
Others include: Dakolo: ₦5 million + 20 bags of soybeans; Gunja: ₦7 million; Kauyen Kane: ₦5 million; Kurar Mota: ₦6 million; Kibari: ₦3 million; Karda: ₦5 million; Daga Ciki: ₦3 million; Biya: ₦5 million; Barebari: ₦6 million; Kauyen Magaji: ₦7 million; Magazawa: ₦10 million; Maciya: ₦5 million; Unguwar Danhalima: ₦5 million; Unguwar Rogo: ₦5 million; Katanga: ₦5 million; Magazu: ₦5 million; Yalwa: ₦2.7 million; Tsageru: ₦5 million; and Gidan Anne: ₦7 million.
Currently, several villages in Tsafe West have become ghost settlements as residents seek refuge elsewhere for fear of brutal attacks by the bandits over non-payment.
“The situation is dire,” a local source lamented. “The inability to pay these levies often results in brutal attacks by the bandits, leaving the residents with no option but to flee.”
The affected communities are appealing for urgent government intervention, calling for the deployment of additional security personnel and the establishment of permanent security posts in the area.
They also urged the government and humanitarian organisations to provide emergency relief for displaced individuals, including food, shelter, and medical aid.
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