By Ayo Kehinde
A notorious bandit group has reportedly imposed a N60 million levy on 12 communities in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
A traditional leader in one of the communities, Sani Usman, told BBC Hausa that they “accused us of aiding soldiers by providing intelligence. They said we also burned the forest to expose them.”
Usman listed the affected communities as Koloma, Dan Hayin Zargado, Zargado, Dan Godabe, Sabuwar Tunga, Makini, Bubaka, Yelwa, Bahwada, Koda, Manya, and Kabusu.
Authorities in Zamfara, including the Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Abubakar Sadiq, have not confirmed the development.
Meanwhile, armed men, disguised in military camouflage, on Monday night, attacked the Ilesha Baruba community in Kwara state, killing at least six residents.
A witness, Umar Faruq, said the assailants stormed the town on motorcycles, wielding sophisticated weapons, and began shooting shortly after the Isha’i prayer.
“They came in soldier uniforms. At first, we thought they were on patrol. Suddenly, they opened fire on innocent people”, he recounted.
The Turaki of Ilesha Baruba described the attack as “a direct assault on the peace and sovereignty” of the community.
“This is not just an attack on individuals. It’s a message to us all that we are not safe. Our people are now living in fear. We call on the government to act fast”, he said.
