“Bring N20 Million or Forget Your Farms,” Bandits Tell Zamfara Farmers

Bandits have reportedly demanded N20 million from farmers in Shanawa, Jangeru, and Galadi communities of Shinkafi Local Government Area in Zamfara State, threatening to stop them from accessing their farmlands this harvest season if they fail to comply.

Residents say the demand has triggered anger and fear across farming communities, with many accusing the armed groups of turning agriculture into a “ransom business.” One resident, who requested anonymity, said such demands have become a recurring nightmare for local farmers. “They ask for money before we can plant, and when it’s time to harvest, they demand another payment,” he said. “We can’t farm on our own land in peace again. We must pay the bandits before we can even touch our crops.”

According to him, the latest threat came with a clear message: “Bring N20 million or forget your farms.” Residents said anyone who tries to enter their farms without permission, especially at night, risks being abducted or killed.

Security analyst Bakastine confirmed that the affected areas have faced repeated attacks in recent months, with bandits tightening control over farmlands and using extortion to maintain dominance. “These attacks have become a form of economic warfare,” he said. “The bandits use fear and extortion to dominate rural communities.”

Farmers are now appealing to the Zamfara State Government and security agencies for urgent intervention, lamenting that repeated peace initiatives have failed to end the violence. “We are tired of peace talks that change nothing,” one farmer said. “We just want to farm and live in peace again.”