Bandits Demand ₦172.7 Million in Levies from Tsafe West Villages, Forcing Mass Displacement

Armed bandits operating under the leadership of a notorious kingpin known as Danisuhu have imposed an enormous levy totaling ₦172.7 million on 25 villages in Tsafe West, Zamfara State, plunging these rural communities into deeper insecurity and economic hardship.

According to Zagazola Makama, the levies, coupled with demands for in-kind contributions such as bags of soybeans, have been accompanied by violent threats. As a result, many residents have fled their homes, leaving behind ghost villages.

Villages and Imposed Levies

The targeted villages and their respective levies include:

• Gijinzama: ₦8.5 million
• Dakolo: ₦5 million + 20 bags of soybeans
• Gunja: ₦7 million
• Kauyen Kane: ₦5 million
• Kurar Mota: ₦6 million
• Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi: ₦2.5 million
• Kibari: ₦3 million
• Karda: ₦5 million
• Daga Ciki: ₦3 million
• Biya: ₦5 million
• Barebari: ₦6 million
• Kauyen Magaji: ₦7 million
• Kwaren Maisaje: ₦10 million
• Magazawa: ₦10 million
• Maciya: ₦5 million
• Unguwar Danhalima: ₦5 million
• Unguwar Rogo: ₦5 million
• Katanga: ₦5 million
• Magazu: ₦5 million
• Sungawa: ₦15 million
• Rakyabu: ₦15 million
• Yalwa: ₦2.7 million
• Tsageru: ₦5 million
• Gidan Anne: ₦7 million
• Kunchin Kalgo: ₦20 million

A Growing Crisis

Hundreds of residents from these villages have abandoned their homes, farmland, and livelihoods, seeking safety elsewhere. The fear of violent retaliation has turned bustling communities into empty settlements.

A local source described the grim reality:

“The inability to pay these levies often results in brutal attacks by the bandits, leaving the residents with no option but to flee.”

Security Efforts Falling Short

Although recent efforts have improved security in Tsafe town and along the Funtua-Tsafe axis, rural areas in Tsafe West remain highly vulnerable. The absence of a permanent security presence has allowed bandits to continue their operations unabated.

Residents have called for urgent government intervention, including the deployment of more security personnel and the establishment of permanent posts in the area.

Immediate Needs

Displaced residents urgently require emergency relief and support to mitigate the impact of losing their homes and means of livelihood. Without swift action, the crisis risks escalating further, leaving a lasting impact on already strained rural communities.

Acknowledgment: This report is based on detailed findings from Zagazola Makama, whose work highlights critical security challenges in the region.