Residents of 26 communities in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State have reportedly begun contributing money to pay fresh levies allegedly imposed by bandits before they will be allowed to access their farms.
It was gathered that the gunmen gave the affected communities a three-day ultimatum, warning farmers not to go to their farmlands until the money demanded from them was paid.
The development comes ahead of the wet-season farming period, raising concerns about food production and the safety of rural farmers in the area.
Residents said the bandits threatened to kill or abduct anyone found farming while the ultimatum was still in force.
According to Daily Trust, sources said the affected communities include Garin Faji, Cina Barka, Zululu, Dan Gari, Garin Maigayya, Gardi, Katsira, Garin Baushe, Sulmawa, Zakin Ganga, Dan Kware, Garje, Dogon Faru, Son Allah, Garin Galadima, Kafchi, Matabaya, Garin Labo, Zango, Kaifin Aska, Tsauna Dogo, Tudun Wada, Rambadawa, Ga Itace, Nasarawa and Garin Idi.
A resident who said he maintained close contact with people in the affected villages said the order had created fear among farmers who were preparing to begin planting. “The communities were given three days. They said nobody should go to the farms until the money is paid. Anyone caught farming would either be killed or kidnapped and would not regain freedom until a ransom of ₦500,000 is paid,” he said.
He added that residents had already started contributing money to meet the demands.
