Terror in Zamfara: 100+ Villagers Kidnapped as Gunmen Enforce Harvesting Fees

In a distressing turn of events, over 100 villagers in Mutumji, Sabongari Mahuta, Kwanar Dutsi, and Unguwar Kawo communities of Maru Local Government Area in Zamfara State have been abducted by gunmen. The motive behind the abductions is reportedly linked to the communities’ inability to meet levies imposed on them.

According to Alhaji Muhammad Usman from Mutumji, the bandits, striking at approximately 8 pm, unleashed chaos by firing shots indiscriminately, compelling residents to seek refuge. Damina, identified as the kingpin among the bandits, had earlier mandated the communities to pay a staggering N110 million as harvesting levies within a two-week ultimatum.

“Mutumji faced a N50 million levy, Kwanar Dutsi N30 million, Sabongari Mahuta N20 million, and Unguwar Kawo N10 million,” shared Alhaji Muhammad Usman, highlighting the oppressive financial burden imposed on the communities.

Sources reveal that the communities had commenced efforts to gather the requested funds when the terrorists descended upon Mutumji on Friday evening. The situation worsens as the spokesperson for the State’s Police command remains unreachable at the time of this report.

This distressing incident follows closely on the heels of last week’s abduction of villagers in Ruwandoruwa community within the same Local Government Area. Additionally, earlier this year, the bandits claimed the lives of a Divisional Police Officer and several police officers in Maru town, intensifying concerns over the security landscape in the region. The affected communities now grapple with the immediate aftermath of this latest wave of abductions, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive security measures in Zamfara State.