Residents of Zamfara State have continued to lament the soaring cost of foodstuffs, accusing both the federal and state governments of neglect as banditry worsens across the state.

The situation, they say, has severely disrupted farming activities, with many farmers unable to access their farmlands due to persistent attacks and illegal levies imposed by bandits.

A farmer, Rabi’u Ismaila, said many farmers have abandoned their farms for fear of being killed.

“Farmers can no longer access their farmlands because of the levies imposed by bandits. Anyone who dares to go to the farm risks being killed,” he said.

Ismaila expressed concern that despite the presence of security operatives, bandits continue to operate freely.
“It is unfortunate that security personnel are around, yet they cannot stop the bandits. We are calling on both the federal and state governments to come to our aid,” he added.

He alleged that bandits now operate like an alternative authority in some communities, forcing residents to pay taxes for their safety.

“The bandits have formed their own system of control. Villagers are made to pay taxes to guarantee their safety,” he said.

According to him, the criminals often seize livestock at will.

“They take animals of their choice without notice. They slaughter them, and no one dares to question them,” he lamented.

Ismaila also revealed that he fled his community due to persistent threats to his life.

“I had to run away because of the danger. The way bandits operate, and the seeming inaction of security operatives, makes people feel abandoned,” he said.

He decried the lack of tangible benefits from democratic governance.

“We are in a democratic system, yet we are not enjoying its dividends. We vote during elections—what is our fault?” he asked.

The farmer noted that he had previously participated in various political groups in a bid to promote peace in his community but eventually withdrew after seeing no results.

“I have been involved in different political efforts to bring peace, but nothing worked. I decided to quit politics,” he said.

He added that his focus is now on farming, although insecurity has made it nearly impossible to operate.

“I will be the happiest person if the federal and state governments can end banditry so farmers can return to their farms and contribute to food security,” he said.