In Zamfara State, Askawa community members have reportedly paid N5 million naira to bandits for 18 abducted persons and to prevent further attacks on their community.
A resident, Aliyu Abdul, revealed how bandits have again levied over N1 million on six communities: Birnin Tsaba, Gabaken Mesa, Gabaken Dan-Maliki, Turawa, Askawa, and Yanbuki, given December 11, as the deadline.
These communities are in Zurmi, Kaura Namoda, and Birnin-Magaji local government areas of Zamfara State.
“Gabaken Mesa has paid N1 million, Gabaken Dan-Maliki N1 million and Birnin Tsaba N1 million, just to mention but few.
“No one is going to police to report, knowing full well that nothing will be done but to tell them to pay the money.
“I personally went to the military on Friday evening in Kaura Namoda to report the incident; I almost ended up fighting with one of the soldiers. I can categorically tell you nothing has been done, till now,” Abdul told Channels.
He explained that the Yanbuki community was told to pay N19 million but after negotiation, it was reduced to N10 million.
The Commissioner for Information in the state, Ibrahim Dosara, confirmed the development, said the government is aware of the levies but working with security agencies.
“The said government is working with the security agencies to make sure that these communities are secured,” the commissioner said