Gunmen in Zamfara Demand N172.7 Million Levy from 25 Villages, Force Hundreds to Flee

Gunmen in Zamfara State, allegedly led by notorious bandit leader Danisuhu, have imposed a N172.7 million levy on 25 villages in the Tsafe West area. The criminal group has also demanded in-kind contributions, including bags of soybeans, from the affected communities.

The villages targeted by the gunmen include Gijinzama, which faces a levy of N8.5 million, Dakolo, which is required to pay N5 million and provide 20 bags of soybeans, and Gunja, which owes N7 million. Other villages like Kauyen Kane and Kurar Mota are expected to pay N5 million and N6 million, respectively. The highest levy was imposed on Kunchin Kalgo, which faces a demand of N20 million, while Sungawa and Rakyabu each face a N15 million levy.

The gunmen have reportedly accompanied these demands with threats of violence, warning that failure to comply will lead to brutal reprisals. As a result, hundreds of residents have fled their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods in fear of violent attacks.

A local source described the terrifying situation, stating that the inability to pay these levies often leads to brutal attacks by the bandits, forcing residents to flee for their safety.

While security has improved in Tsafe town and along the Funtua-Tsafe axis, these improvements have not yet reached the rural villages of Tsafe West. Residents are now urgently calling on the government for immediate intervention to end the crisis and restore peace to their communities.