Fear in Zamfara as bandits impose N60m levy on 12 communities

Twelve communities in Zamfara State are living in fear after armed bandits reportedly imposed a N60 million levy on them, accusing residents of aiding military operations in the area.

The disturbing development was revealed by conflict journalist Bakatsine in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter). According to him, the affected communities include Koloma, Dan Hayin Zargado, Zargado, Dan Godabe, Sabuwar Tunga, Makini, Bubaka, Yelwa, Bahwada, Koda, Manya, and Kabusu.

The bandits allegedly threatened to launch deadly attacks if the residents fail to pay the imposed levy. The demand has left the communities in a state of panic, with locals unsure of how to raise such a huge sum or defend themselves against potential reprisal.

Zamfara State has long been plagued by insecurity, with rural communities often caught in the crossfire between government forces and heavily armed criminal gangs.

He wrote: “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.”