Bandits have threatened a Sokoto community with new attacks unless they pay N15 million.
Residents fear for their lives as past raids and kidnappings continue to haunt the area.
People in Bazar community and nearby villages in Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State are worried after suspected bandits ordered them to pay N15 million or face fresh attacks.
Residents said the group warned that if the money is not paid, they would destroy farmlands and take away harvested crops. Many farmers are now afraid to go to their farms.
A local resident, Dauda Umar, confirmed the situation. He said the entire area is in fear after the message from the attackers. According to him, the bandits have attacked the community in the past and are very familiar with the environment.
Umar explained that the latest incident happened on a Friday night around 11:40. The armed group entered the town and stayed for more than an hour before leaving at about 1:06 in the morning. He said the attackers took seven people away, including the village head. The leader and five others were later released, but warned not to report the matter. Shops were also looted, and goods worth millions were taken.
He noted that the community quickly informed the police and other security agents, but help is yet to come. He called for urgent support, saying many residents are now considering leaving their farms to protect their lives.
People in Bazar and neighboring villages are appealing to the Chairman of Yabo Local Government Area and the Sokoto State Government to act fast and improve security in the area.
Residents said this is not the first time such demands have been made in the region. They recalled that nearby Tudun Rini and Runji villages were earlier forced to pay levies of N17 million each, showing that the problem is spreading.
