Sokoto Community Gripped by Fear as Bandits Demand N15 Million Levy
In a
deeply troubling development, residents of the Bazar community and surrounding
villages in Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State are living under the
shadow of terror following a fresh ultimatum issued by suspected bandits.
These armed groups have demanded a levy of N15 million from the community, threatening to unleash deadly attacks on those who fail to comply.
According
to reports, the bandits warned that non-payment could result in the destruction
of farmlands and the loss of harvested produce, an alarming threat that has
left the agrarian community in a state of panic.
Dauda
Umar, a local resident, confirmed the situation in an interview, stating that
the bandits are familiar with the terrain and have previously attacked the
town. He recounted a recent incident that occurred on a Friday night around
11:40 p.m., when the assailants invaded the town and operated freely for over
an hour before leaving at approximately 1:06 a.m.
During
the attack, seven individuals were abducted, including the village head.
Although the leader and five others were later released, they were sternly
warned not to report the incident. The bandits also looted several shops,
carting away goods worth millions of naira.
Umar
expressed concern over the slow response from security agencies, despite the
community having reported the incident to the police and other authorities. He
emphasized the urgent need for intervention, noting that many residents are now
considering abandoning their farms out of fear.
The residents have appealed to the Chairman of Yabo Local Government Area and the Sokoto State Government to bolster security in the region.
This latest demand
follows a disturbing pattern of extortion, as similar levies were previously
imposed on nearby Tudun Rini and Runji villages, where bandits demanded N17
million each. The recurrence of such threats underscores a growing trend of
insecurity and lawlessness in the region.
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