Residents of Birnin Yero community in Shinkafi local government area have sent SOS to the state government and security agents to save them from bandits’ attacks.
This is even as residents have started plan to raise money for payment of a levy imposed on them by one of Bello Turji’s commanders, known as Dullun.
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE gathered that residents of Birnin Yero have classified themselves into civil servants, businessmen and the jobless ones.
Dr Tijjani Shinkafi, a senior lecturer at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, said residents of Birnin Yero are terrified which made them went ahead to start contributing the money.
“Every civil servant has been asked to contribute N20,000, while businessmen are to pay N50,000 to N100,000 each depending on the level of their business. Those who are not working and are not into serious business have been asked to pay N5,000 each,” he said.
Muhammadu Humility, a youth leader in Shinkafi local government area, said the response from the authority has not been convincing.
“When we were informed of the situation, I personally called a district head, who promised to inform the emir. I was told that the issue has been reported to Gusau but we’ve not seen any change. Look at what happened in some communities of Tsafe local government area some days back; they were attacked by the bandits for their failure to pay the levy imposed on them. I’m calling on government to do the needful and save these people,” Mr Humility said.
Initially, the levy, according to Dr. Shinkafi, was N40m.
“The bandit leader was met and pleaded with to reduce the levy after which he agreed to accept the sum of N9m. That’s what they’re gathering now,” he added.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the police in the state, Mohammed Shehu, said he was not aware of the development.
