Bandit Kingpin Demands N172.7 Million Levy from 25 Zamfara Villages

A notorious bandit leader, Dan Isuhu, has imposed a staggering levy of N172.7 million on 25 villages in Tsafe West district, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, alongside demands for agricultural produce.

The villages affected by this extortion include Gijinzama, which faces a levy of N8.5 million, Dakolo with a N5 million charge plus 20 bags of beans, Kibari at N3 million, Kunchin Kalgo at N20 million, Sungawa at N15 million, and Yalwa, which has been ordered to pay N2.7 million, among others.

In addition to the financial demands, Isuhu has issued direct threats of violence against any village that refuses to comply with his orders. This has led to widespread fear among the local population, forcing many to abandon their homes in search of safety from the terror of the bandits.

One resident of Yalwa village, Isah, expressed the dire situation, saying, “We need protection to live in our villages,” as the bandits’ threats have created an atmosphere of constant anxiety.

Despite attempts to contact the State Police Command’s spokesman, ASP Abubakar Yazeed, for comment, there was no response at the time of reporting, leaving the community to grapple with the continuing extortion and violence without state intervention.