In a chilling turn of events, residents of Tsafe West District in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been forced to abandon their ancestral homes and farms after notorious bandit leader Dan Isuhu imposed a staggering levy of N172.7 million on 25 villages. The demand, accompanied by threats of violence, has plunged the communities into chaos and despair.
Sahara Reporters, through its official X handle, highlighted the worsening crisis, which has left hundreds of villagers displaced and struggling for survival. The bandits’ demands go beyond monetary payments, as they have also insisted on agricultural produce, including sacks of beans, further exacerbating the plight of the already impoverished communities.
A tweet by Bakatsine, a conflict and crisis journalist in northwestern Nigeria, detailed the extent of the terror gripping the region. “The bandits don’t just ask for money; they also demand goods like bags of beans,” said one terrified villager. “We are scared every day. We don’t know when they will come for us next.”
For many, these demands are simply impossible to meet. Unable to pay the levy or provide the requested goods, families are fleeing their homes in droves, leaving behind their farms and livelihoods. The once-bustling villages now resemble ghost towns, with deserted houses and untended farmlands marking the aftermath of the bandits’ terror campaign.
The situation has sparked outrage and calls for urgent government intervention. Analysts say the demands by Dan Isuhu and his gang are part of a broader pattern of banditry and extortion that has plagued northwestern Nigeria, where communities are often left at the mercy of criminal groups.
The ongoing crisis in Zamfara has not only led to displacement but also threatens food security in the region. With farmers abandoning their crops, the looming harvest season faces potential devastation, raising concerns about hunger and economic collapse in the area.
As the affected villagers seek refuge elsewhere, the call for swift and decisive action against the bandits grows louder. Human rights activists and local leaders are urging the federal and state governments to deploy more security forces to the region and prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Zamfara State, long known for its rich culture and agrarian economy, now stands as a grim reminder of the unchecked rise of banditry in Nigeria. The plight of these 25 villages underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to end the cycle of violence and restore hope to the people of Tsafe West District.
For the displaced residents, the question remains: how long must they wait for peace to return to their homes?
PIONEER NEWS 