Bandits Impose N8Million Levy On Zamfara Community Over Killing Of Commander

Bandits have threatened residents of Kaya village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, imposing an ₦8 million levy on the community.

Residents have described it as a retaliatory move following the killing of a notorious bandit leader during a recent security operation.

Sources in the area told SaharaReporters that the threat was issued on Tuesday, plunging the village into fear and uncertainty. 

The levy is reportedly being imposed on residents as punishment for the death of Isuhu Buzu, a known bandit commander, who was killed during a joint operation involving the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

According to a Katsina-based security expert, Malam Bakatsine, residents, however, denied any involvement in the incident, insisting that the community had no link to the operation that led to Buzu’s death. 

They described the levy as an act of collective punishment against innocent civilians.

The threat has heightened tensions in the community, with residents expressing concern over possible violent reprisals, loss of lives, and destruction of property if the demand is not met.

Community leaders have appealed to the Zamfara State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene by deploying more security personnel, intensifying patrols, and securing Kaya village and surrounding communities to prevent further violence.

They warned that civilians should not be made to bear the consequences of counterterrorism operations, stressing the need for proactive measures to stop armed groups from carrying out revenge attacks.