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Farmers in Dan Isa district of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, Zamfara State, say they are being extorted by armed bandits who demand payment in exchange for access to farmlands this rainy season.
Speaking to Daily Trust via telephone, the Ward Head of the district, Malam Hassan Yarima, confirmed that all 35 villages under his jurisdiction were forced to pay N800,000 each to gain permission to farm.
“Each village is also expected to pay another N800,000 at harvest time. This is the agreement we have reached with the bandits’ leader overseeing this area, Dan Sadiya,” he said.
“I can only speak for my district. I don’t know how much other districts are paying, but it’s clear that no one can farm without paying.”
Yarima explained that villagers were left with no choice but to comply with the bandits’ demands in order to feed their families.
“We don’t have any option but to follow their directives. Otherwise, they won’t allow us to farm. At least if we can cultivate, we can provide something for our families,” he said.
Despite making the payments, Yarima lamented that the bandits continue to terrorize their communities, stealing livestock, looting food supplies, and demanding more money and goods.
“We want to live in peace with the bandits, but truthfully, they’ve taken everything from us. They rustle our animals, seize our money and farm produce, and rob us of our belongings,” he said.
“They come to our villages every week, and each time, we’re forced to gather money, foodstuffs, and provisions for them. Sometimes, after taking those items, they even abduct women and leave with them.”
