Residents of Tsafe West District in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State are fleeing their homes and farms after notorious bandit leader, Dan Isuhu, known for operating in northwestern Nigeria, has imposed a N172.7 million tax on 25 communities.
A tweet by Bakatsine, a conflict and crisis journalist in northwest Nigeria on X on Tuesday, said the bandits are also demanding for agricultural produce such as sacks of beans, exacerbating the already dire situation.
Many villagers who can not meet these demands, have fled 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 specific demands by the bandits from each village are 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.
“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 had abandoned their lands, and local businesses had closed down.
“I had to shut down my shop. There’s no one left to buy anything,” said a local shopkeeper.
The sources of the villagers’ means of surviving are in shambles, 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.”
