By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Bandits Issue ₦15m Ultimatum, Threaten Fresh Attacks In Tambuwal’s District, Nigeria
Residents of Bazar community and neighbouring villages in Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria, are living in fear after suspected armed bandits reportedly imposed a ₦15 million levy on them, threatening renewed attacks if the demand is not met.
The affected communities fall within the Sokoto South Senatorial District, represented by former state governor and current senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Locals say the threats have sparked deep anxiety, especially after a series of raids in recent weeks left several people abducted and homes looted.
One resident, Dauda Umar, confirmed the development to journalists, describing the situation as dire and calling for immediate government intervention.
“It is true that the bandits demanded ₦15 million from us, warning that if we fail to comply, they will strike again. We are worried because they’ve already shown they can act on their threats,” he said.
According to Umar, the most recent attack occurred on a Friday night around 11:40 p.m. and lasted for nearly two hours.
“They abducted seven people, including our village head, but later released him and five others with a warning not to involve the authorities. They also looted shops and carted away goods worth millions of naira,” he added.
Residents have since appealed to the Chairman of Yabo Local Government Area and the Sokoto State Government to bolster security in the region to prevent further loss of lives and property.
Despite reports to local police, villagers insist that more support is urgently needed to tackle the worsening insecurity.
The development follows repeated bandit incursions across Sokoto and other parts of northwestern Nigeria, where rural communities remain vulnerable to ransom kidnappings, extortion, and violent raids.
Earlier in October, The Guardian reported that residents of Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto also appealed to the Federal Government for permission to bear arms in self-defence, citing government inaction and repeated attacks that have left communities devastated.
Community leaders in Sokoto continue to urge Abuja to prioritise rural security, warning that frustration over continued killings and extortion could force civilians to resort to self-help.
“We can’t sleep with both eyes closed anymore,” said another resident. “If the government cannot protect us, we should at least be allowed to protect ourselves.”
Security experts have warned that the imposition of levies by bandits signals an evolving criminal economy in Nigeria’s northwest, one that thrives on fear, poor governance, and weak state presence in rural communities.
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