Bandits Reportedly Impose ₦5 Million Levy on Katsina Communities Amid Rising Insecurity

Armed groups have reportedly imposed a ₦5 million levy on several rural communities in Katsina State, escalating tension in parts of Dan-Musa and Matazu Local Government Areas.

The demand was directed at residents of Mara Dangeza, Unguwar Tofa, and Gidan Goge, with sources indicating that the attackers issued a deadline for payment and warned of possible attacks if the condition is not met.

A security analyst focused on the North-West, Bakatsine, disclosed the development on X, noting that it comes months after a peace arrangement was previously reached between community representatives and the armed groups in November last year.

Despite that agreement, residents say the latest demand has renewed fear across the affected villages. Some families have begun leaving their homes as uncertainty grows over possible retaliation.

Local appeals for intervention have intensified, with community members urging authorities to respond to what they describe as a worsening pattern of extortion affecting rural settlements.