Gunmen Impose ‘₦172.7 Million Levy’ On 25 Villages In Zamfara (Full List)

A ₦172.7 million levy has been reportedly placed on 25 villages in the Tsafe west area of Zamfara state.

Naija News reports that the gunmen who imposed the levies, are allegedly led by a notorious bandit leader, Danisuhu.

According to counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, the levies were accompanied by demands for in-kind contributions, including bags of soybeans and threats of violence against those who fail to comply.

The report added that these demands have forced hundreds of residents to abandon their homes and livelihoods.

Makama stated that the targeted villages and their respective levies include Gijinzama (₦8.5 million), Dakolo (₦5 million + 20 bags of soybeans), Gunja (₦7 million), Kauyen Kane (₦5 million), Kurar Mota (₦6 million), Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi (₦2.5 million), Kibari (₦3 million), Karda (₦5 million), Daga Ciki (₦3 million), Biya (₦5 million), Barebari (₦6 million), Kauyen Magaji (₦7 million), Kwaren Maisaje (₦10 million), Magazawa (₦10 million), Maciya (₦5 million), and Unguwar Danhalima (₦5 million).

Others are Unguwar Rogo (₦5 million), Katanga (₦5 million), Magazu (₦5 million), Sungawa (₦15 million), Rakyabu (₦15 million), Yalwa (₦2.7 million), Tsageru (₦5 million), Gidan Anne (₦7 million), and Kunchin Kalgo (₦20 million).

Makama quoted a local source as describing the situation as dire.

The source said, “Hundreds of residents of these villages have reportedly abandoned their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods in fear of violent reprisals for failing to meet the demands.

“The inability to pay these levies often results in brutal attacks by the bandits, leaving the residents with no option but to flee.

“While security has improved along the Funtua-Tsafe axis and in Tsafe town, these gains have yet to extend to the rural villages of Tsafe West.”