Farmers, Traders in Kebbi State Decry Extortion by Security Operatives

Farmers and traders passing through Bagudo in Bagudu Local Government Area of Kebbi State are expressing frustration over relentless extortion by security agencies at various checkpoints along the road connecting Nigeria with Benin Republic.

A grain supplier from Tsamiya Market loading a truck with 600 bags of maize or millet reported having to pay a staggering N600,000 in extortion fees to travel from Bagudo to Argungu and Birnin Kebbi. Tukur Muhammad, the Secretary of Amana Farmers and Grains Suppliers Association of Nigeria, revealed that the extortion included charges of N1,000 per 100kg bag of grains on trucks and N500 for each bag on motorcycles.

Muhammad attributed the surge in the prices of farm produce and essential items to these unwarranted fees imposed by security operatives in the area. He urged the state government to enforce proper revenue collection to curb illegal extortions, emphasizing the adverse impact on commodity prices.

Rabi’u Mainasara, Chairman of the association, echoed these concerns, noting the existence of 44 checkpoints from Bagudu to Tsamiya where traders and farmers must pay varying amounts at each stop. Mainasara called for the intervention of federal and state governments and relevant security agencies to halt this practice, fearing potential recourse to self-help by the affected populace.

In response, Abubakar Usman-Tsamiya, a local councillor, highlighted the residents’ discontent and called on the Kebbi government to address the situation promptly, emphasizing the significance of Tsamiya Market as an international hub.

When questioned, the state police spokesman, Nafi’u Abubakar, claimed ignorance of the extortion but promised an investigation into the matter. He acknowledged a recent incident on Bagudu-Tsamiya Road, where complaints about extortion led the Commissioner of Police to instruct immediate intervention.

In contrast, Governor Umar Bago of Niger State reported a positive development in agriculture, stating that farmers were returning to their farms. He expressed enthusiasm about Niger State’s role as a pilot for the planned 500,000 hectares of agricultural production, announced by President Bola Tinubu in his New Year message. Governor Bago indicated that Niger State had initiated 250,000 hectares of dry season farming, aligning with the federal government’s agricultural initiative.