Gunmen Demand N172 Million Levy from Zamfara Villages: A Growing Crisis in Nigeria

Zamfara Villages Under Siege: Gunmen Impose N172 Million Levy

Gunmen, allegedly led by notorious bandit leader Danisuhu, have reportedly imposed a levy of N172.7 million on 25 villages in the Tsafe West area of Zamfara State.

The demands include both monetary payments and in-kind contributions, such as bags of soybeans. Residents who fail to comply face threats of violence, prompting many to flee their homes and livelihoods.

The targeted villages and their respective levies are as follows:

• Gijinzama: N8.5 million
• Dakolo: N5 million + 20 bags of soybeans
• 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
• Biya: N5 million
• 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
• Kunchin Kalgo: N20 million

The situation has led to widespread displacement, with residents abandoning their homes and farmland to escape potential reprisals. Local sources describe the situation as dire, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.

While security has improved along the Funtua-Tsafe axis and in Tsafe town, these gains have yet to extend to the rural villages of Tsafe West.

Residents have called for more security personnel and permanent posts in the area, alongside emergency relief for displaced individuals.