The residents said the attackers warned that failure to meet the demand could result in destruction of farmlands and confiscation of harvested crops
By Asaye Bankole
Fear and anxiety have taken over the Bazar community and surrounding villages in Sokoto State’s Yabo Local Government Area after suspected bandits demanded a N15 million levy and threatened violent attacks if residents refuse to pay.
The residents said the attackers warned that failure to meet the demand could result in destruction of farmlands and confiscation of harvested crops.
Alhaji Dauda Umar, a resident, confirmed the development, stating that the community is gripped with fear following the ultimatum. “The bandits indeed demanded N15 million from us, threatening to harm our people if we don’t comply. They’ve attacked us before and are familiar with our town,” Umar lamented.
He recounted that the latest attack happened last Friday around 11:40 p.m. when the gunmen ransacked the community, operated freely for over an hour, and left around 1:06 a.m.
“They abducted seven people, including our village head, but later released him and five others after warning them not to report the incident. They also looted shops and carted away goods worth millions of naira,” he said.
Umar further stated that although the community has reported the incident to security agencies, residents are concerned about the slow response. “We’ve informed the authorities, including the police, but we need immediate assistance.
Our people are frightened, and many are planning to abandon their farms,” he said. Residents have appealed to the Yabo Local Government Chairman and the Sokoto State Government to intervene and bolster security in the area.
Umar noted that similar demands were recently made to neighbouring Tudun Rini and Runji villages, where bandits allegedly demanded N17 million each, highlighting the growing trend of extortion and insecurity in the region.
Sokoto State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the command was not yet aware of the alleged levy but assured that the police would increase surveillance and patrols in the affected areas to ensure peace and protect residents from further attacks.
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