Armed bandits have blocked residents of 26 communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State, from their farmlands. They're demanding fresh levies before farming can resume.
The ultimatum gives villagers just three days to pay up. Anyone caught farming during this period faces death or abduction, residents told our correspondent.
Affected communities include Garin Faji, Cina Barka, Zululu, Dan Gari, Garin Maigayya, Gardi, Katsira, Garin Baushe, Sulmawa, Zakin Ganga, Dan Kware, Garje, Dogon Faru, Son Allah, Garin Galadima, Kafchi, Matabaya, Garin Labo, Zango, Kaifin Aska, Tsauna Dogo, Tudun Wada, Rambadawa, Ga Itace, Nasarawa and Garin Idi. The timing couldn't be worse as planting season approaches.
One source close to the villages described the bandits' threats as explicit. "They said no one goes to farms until money is paid," he explained to our team.
Ransoms are steep too. Farmers caught working face N500,000 demands before release, according to reports from the ground.
A Zululu resident spoke under anonymity about the devastating restrictions. He'd planned to work his farm on Friday when word arrived about the ban.
Bandits justified their position to villagers in blunt terms. They claimed security forces have been seizing their livestock, so they want cash instead of allowing farming to continue.
The pattern has been consistent and brutal. Traditional rulers and Islamic leaders must now negotiate levy amounts with the armed groups before farming resumes.
These extortion schemes aren't new in these communities. Villagers have endured similar demands for several years running.
The levy cycle never really stops. Residents pay before planting, then again every two or three months throughout the year.
Typical amounts range from N4 million to N6 million per community. Households contribute what they can, from N1,500 up to N5,000 per person depending on village size.
Sometimes bandits return within months demanding harvests be halted until more money comes in. It's a continuous cycle of terror and extortion.
Garin Idi village experienced this brutality firsthand on Friday. About 20 residents were abducted in the early morning hours.
Community leaders received a chilling message from the abductors. They demanded N600,000 for the captives' release within hours.
Desperate villagers scraped together the ransom amount immediately. By Friday evening, all 20 abductees had been freed.
An indigene of Garin Idi now living in Sabon Birni town visited to offer condolences. He confirmed that all 26 communities are now raising funds for the levies.
The rainy season waits for no one. Without access to their fields, farmers face a disastrous year ahead.
