Gunmen Impose N172m Levy on Zamfara Villages, Forcing Residents to Flee

Gunmen have imposed a staggering levy of N172.7 million on 25 villages in the Tsafe West area of Zamfara State, causing widespread fear and displacement among residents. The group, reportedly led by the notorious bandit leader Danisuhu, has also demanded in-kind contributions, including bags of soybeans, and issued threats of violence for non-compliance.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the targeted villages face varying financial demands, with some levies reaching as high as N20 million. Notable demands include N8.5 million for Gijinzama, N10 million each for Kwaren Maisaje and Magazawa, and N20 million for Kunchin Kalgo. Other villages, such as Dakolo, have been tasked with raising N5 million in addition to providing 20 bags of soybeans.

The impositions have triggered mass displacements, as hundreds of residents have fled their homes, abandoning farmlands and livelihoods in fear of violent reprisals. Local sources describe the situation as dire, noting that the inability to pay these levies often results in brutal attacks by the gunmen.

Although there have been improvements in security along the Funtua-Tsafe axis and in Tsafe town, these gains have not extended to the rural villages of Tsafe West. Residents have called for the deployment of additional security personnel, the establishment of permanent security posts, and emergency relief for displaced individuals to address the escalating crisis.