According to a tweet by Bakatsine, a conflict and crisis journalist in northwest Nigeria on X on Tuesday, along with these monetary demands, the bandits also requested agricultural produce such as sacks of beans, exacerbating the already dire situation.
Residents of Tsafe West District in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State have started fleeing and abandoning their ancestral homes and farms after notorious bandit leader, Dan Isuhu, known for operating in northwestern Nigeria, imposed a N172.7 million tax on 25 communities.
According to a tweet by Bakatsine, a conflict and crisis journalist in northwest Nigeria on X on Tuesday, along with these monetary demands, the bandits also requested agricultural produce such as sacks of beans, exacerbating the already dire situation.
Many villagers, unable to meet these demands, have been forced to abandon their homes and farms in fear for their lives.
"The bandits don’t just ask for money, they also demand goods like bags of beans," said one villager. "We are scared every day.
We don’t know when they will come for us next."
The bandits have outlined their specific demands from each village: Gijinzama N8.5 million, Dakolo N5 million + 20 bags of beans, Gunja N7 million, Kauyen Kane N5 million, Kurar Mota N6 million, Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi N2.5 million, Kibari N3 million, Karda N5 million, Daga Ciki N3 million and Biya N5 million.
Others include; Barebari N6 million, Kauyen Magaji N7 million, Kwaren Maisaje N10 million, Magazawa N10 million, Maciya N5 million, Unguwar Danhalima N5 million, Unguwar Rogo N5 million, Katanga N5 million, Magazu N5 million, Sungawa N15 million, Rakyabu N15 million, Yalwa, N2.7 million, Tsageru N5 million, Gidan Anne N7 million, and Kunchin Kalgo N20 million.
The villagers have been left in a state of constant fear. "If we don’t pay the taxes, the bandits threaten us with violence," a resident explained.
"I had no choice but to leave. I couldn’t risk my life," another shared. The climate of terror has resulted in the destruction of the local economy.
Many farmers have had to abandon their land, and local businesses have been forced to close.
"I had to shut down my shop. There’s no one left to buy anything," said a local shopkeeper.
As a result, the livelihoods of the villagers are in ruins, and there are growing fears that even if the violence stops, they may never be able to return to their homes.
"The villagers are in desperate need of help," said one community member. "We can’t keep living like this. We need protection and support."
The communities of Tsafe West are calling for urgent aid and increased security, as they face the overwhelming challenges posed by the ongoing banditry.
The people of Tsafe West, in fear for their safety and survival, require immediate assistance from both local authorities and humanitarian organisations.