How Gunmen imposed N172.7m levy on 25 Zamfara villages

News Update

Gunmen in Zamfara State have reportedly imposed a N172.7 million levy on 25 villages in the Tsafe West area, driving hundreds of residents from their homes in fear of violent reprisals.

According to reports from Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the gunmen, allegedly led by notorious bandit leader Danisuhu, have also demanded in-kind contributions such as bags of soybeans from the affected communities.

The targeted villages and their respective levies include Gijinzama (N8.5 million), Dakolo (N5 million and 20 bags of soybeans), Gunja (N7 million), Kauyen Kane (N5 million), and Kurar Mota (N6 million), among others. The highest levy of N20 million was imposed on Kunchin Kalgo, while Sungawa and Rakyabu each face demands of N15 million.

“These levies are accompanied by threats of violence against those who fail to comply,” the report stated.

“Hundreds of residents have abandoned their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods, fearing brutal attacks by the bandits.”

A local source, quoted in the report, described the dire situation facing the villagers.

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

The report noted that while security has improved in Tsafe town and along the Funtua-Tsafe axis, these gains have yet to reach the rural villages of Tsafe West.

The report further added that residents are now calling for urgent intervention from the government.