PANIC has engulfed Bazar community and several surrounding villages in Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State following a fresh demand by suspected bandits for the payment of a ₦15 million levy, with threats of violent attacks should residents fail to comply.
Residents say the bandits warned that non-payment would lead to the destruction of farmlands, seizure of harvested crops and possible killings, placing thousands of households in fear at the peak of the farming season.
A resident, Dauda Umar, who spoke to News Point Nigeria, confirmed the development, saying community members are in a state of anxiety after receiving the ultimatum.
“It is true that the bandits demanded ₦15 million from us, threatening to harm our people if we fail to pay,” Umar said.
“They have attacked us before, and they know the community terrain very well.”
Umar recounted that during the most recent attack, which occurred at about 11:40am. on Friday, the bandits stormed Bazar community and operated uninterrupted for over an hour, leaving around 1:06am.
During the raid, the attackers abducted seven persons, including the village head, ransacked local shops, and carted away goods valued in millions of naira.
Although the village head and five others were later released, the captives were reportedly warned not to report the incident to security agencies.
Residents said they have informed the police and other security operatives but expressed concern over what they describe as a slow and inadequate response.
“Our people are scared. Some are already leaving for nearby towns and abandoning their farms,” Umar said.
“If help does not come soon, we may lose our livelihoods and our homes.”
Contacted on the situation, the Sokoto State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the command had not officially received reports of a ₦15 million demand.
He, however, stated that the police would intensify patrols and surveillance in the affected communities.
“The command will ensure that peace is restored and residents are protected,” he assured.
He also noted that in September, the police arrested three suspected bandit collaborators and recovered arms and ammunition in different counter-banditry operations across the state.
Meanwhile, residents are urging the Yabo Local Government Council and the Sokoto State Government to deploy more security personnel and prevent what they described as a looming humanitarian crisis.