Residents of the Bazar community and surrounding villages in the Yabo council area of Sokoto State have raised the alarm over a N15 million levy allegedly imposed on them by suspected bandits.

The communities are under the Sokoto South Senatorial District, currently represented by former governor of the state, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.  
Some of the community members said the bandits had warned that failure to pay the levy could lead to a series of violent attacks on the settlements.

One of the residents, Dauda Umar, confirmed the development in an interview with journalists. He described the situation as dire and urged the government’s immediate attention. 

“It is true that the bandits demanded N15 million from us, threatening to cause harm if we don’t comply. I don’t have direct knowledge of their next move, but the levy has already been imposed, and some people are discussing how to raise the money,” he said.

The residents also appealed to the council chairman and the state government to strengthen security in the communities to prevent imminent loss of lives and property.

“We have reported to the authorities, including the police, but we still need more support to tackle this threat,” he further said.